Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
-
The oldest pilgrimage site in North America began life in 1658 as a shrine to this patron saint of Québec and was established as a basilica in 1887. The present church, started in 1923 but only completed in 1963, has a striking interior with sumptuous decoration, including impressive window archways. Hundreds of crutches, canes and medical aids can be seen stacked in pyramids beside the medieval-style entrance, testimony to pilgrim prayer and the healing powers associated with Sainte Anne de Beaupré. Stunning religious statues frame the entrance and line the luxurious gardens, including a Way of the Cross.
Atelier Paré is two minutes from the shrine on avenue Royale and provides an opportunity to purchase unusual souvenirs.
-
1. Medieval Architecture
A five-nave towered church blends imposing Gothic architecture with Romanesque details previously unseen in Québec Province.
-
2. Stained-Glass Windows
2. Stained-Glass WindowsThe dazzling 240 stained-glass windows depict moments in the life of Ste Anne. The centerpiece is a huge oval window flooding light into the nave.
-
3. Candlelight Processions
It is common to witness evening candlelight processions honoring saints and religious holidays; those on July 25 and 26 celebrate Ste Anne.
-
4. Way of the Cross Bronzes
4. Way of the Cross BronzesLife-size bronze statues line the hillside trail beside the basilica. Honouring saints and Apostles, these artworks infuse a Renaissance feeling to the grounds.
-
5. Memorial Chapel
5. Memorial ChapelThis votive chapel, built in 1878 to commemorate the original church on this site, contains religious memorabilia, rare documents and artifacts.
-
6. St Augustin
Thomas Baillairgé continued his family’s legacy as a religious decorator by carving pieces for the basilica, including a statue of St Augustin.
-
7. Scala Santa
7. Scala SantaA wonderful little chapel constructed in 1891 includes a remarkable stairway venerating the one Jesus ascended to face condemnation by Pontius Pilate.
-
8. Musée de Sainte-Anne
A separate building next to the main shrine features two floors of religious exhibitions focusing on Ste Anne and the 300 years of pilgrimage to this holy site.
-
9. Cyclorama de Jérusalem
9. Cyclorama de JérusalemThe world’s largest panoramic painting was created in Munich between 1878–82. It was shipped in sections in 1895 and still transfixes visitors with its overview of Jerusalem.
-
10. Atelier Paré
This woodcarver’s workshop is worth a visit to see the artisan at work creating pieces for the basilica.
Advertisement
-
-
lg6789's Las Vegas guide
lg6789
-
Dosdoce's Dublin guide
Dosdoc
-
Paris guide
sherlo
-
-
Lucy Tagg's Sicily guide
Lucy T
-
Juliewaldman's Boston guide
Juliew
-
Paris
pengui
-
Black & Blue FestivalMontreal's Black and Blue Festival has grown from its origins as a small party into one of the biggest gay festivals in the northern hemisphere. The week-long event celebrates gay culture, bringing... Read more
-
MadonnaThe undisputed queen of pop and worldwide superstar Madonna hits the road on her Sticky & Sweet tour. Expect to hear songs from her new album, Hard Candy, at these dates at Montreal's... Read more
-
David ByrneDavid Byrne is on tour with his band having just released Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, his first collaboration with Brian Eno since 1981. This show is at Metropolis in Montreal. Read more
-
BiosphèreBuilt as the US pavilion for Expo '67, the massive geodesic dome on Saint Helen's Island houses the Biosphère. Environmental issues, including global warming, are explored through multimedia shows... Read more
![[+]](/images/button-addtoguide.gif)
symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.