DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Basilique Notre-Dame

Basilique Notre-Dame

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The most magnificent landmark of Vieux-Montréal is this mammoth Gothic Revival undertaking designed by Irish architect James O’Donnell and built between 1823–9. This thriving Catholic church has a stunning medieval-style interior that features walnut-wood carvings, exquisite stained-glass windows, 24-carat gold stars in a vaulted blue ceiling, as well as one of the largest Casavant organs in North America. Don’t miss the fine art paintings in the nave and the impressive Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur hidden behind the altar.
Architect James O’Donnell is buried at the foot of the first column on the side of the churchwarden’s pew.

Top 10 Features

1. Gothic Revival Architecture

Rectangular in shape, contrary to the norms of the day, Notre-Dame features arcades with cross-ribbed vaulting.
2. Stained-Glass Windows

In 1929 Olivier Maurault, a priest and author, conceived the present-day windows, which depict both early religious events as well as scenes from the everyday lives of people of Vieux-Montréal.
3. Le Gros Bourdon

It is possible to hear the amazing chimes of Le Gros Bourdon, the largest bell in North America, some 30 km (18 miles) outside Montréal.
4. Casavant Organ

Joseph Casavant was a Québécois blacksmith and the first significant builder of pipe organs in Canada. He built the famous Notre-Dame organ for the basilica in 1891.
5. The Altar

In 1880 local artists Henri Bouriché and Louis-Philippe Hébert created complementary wood sculptings backed by azure for this spectacular altarpiece.
6. The Pulpit

Architect Victor Bourgeau’s first known work is the 1844 spiral staircase pulpit, which some say resembles the tiers of a wedding cake. Set in the middle of the church, it allows the congregation to hear sermons without amplification.
7. Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur

7. Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur

Built in 1888, this gem hides behind the main altar. Countless marriage ceremonies take place here, inspiring the moniker of “The Wedding Chapel.”
8. Daudelin Sculpting

8. Daudelin Sculpting

Sculptor Charles Daudelin’s bronze reredos , which hangs behind the Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur, is among his most dramatic works.
9. Famous Weddings

Many famous couples have tied the knot in Notre-Dame but the most mentioned celebrity wedding is that of recording star Céline Dion in 1994 (see Céline Dion).
10. Séminaire St-Sulpice

10. Séminaire St-Sulpice

Built in 1685 by the Sulpician order, this structure beside the basilica is the oldest building in Montréal (see Séminaire St-Sulpice).

Practical Information

Claude Postel Chocolatier (75 Notre-Dame Ouest) serves incredible sandwiches, coffee and desserts. Breathtaking sound and light (son et lumière ) shows are worth attending during the summer season. 110 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Place d’Armes (514) 842 2925 Open 8am–4:30pm daily Adm $4 www.basiliquenddm.org