Let me tell you about a place in Montreal that’s been wowing people for almost 200 years. It’s called Notre Dame Basilica, and it’s not just any old church.
From its tall towers to its huge organ, this place is packed with cool stuff to see and learn about. Let’s take a look at what makes Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal so special and why people from all over come to check it out.
How Did Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal Become an Icon?
Way back in 1824, people in Montreal decided they needed a bigger church. The old one, built in 1672, was just too small for all the people living in the city.
So, they hired an architect named James O’Donnell to design a new one. O’Donnell wasn’t even Catholic when he started, but he ended up liking the church so much that he became Catholic before he died!
The Birth of a Montreal Icon
Building the basilica took five years. Can you imagine working on something for that long? Finally, in 1829, they opened the doors, and everyone was amazed. The church was huge! It could fit 10,000 people inside. That’s like 100 school buses full of kids!
Over the years, Notre Dame Basilica kept getting better and better. In 1872, a man named Victor Bourgeau started working on the inside of the church. He added all sorts of beautiful decorations that we still see today.
Rising to Fame: Awards and Recognition
Something really special happened in 1982. The Pope (that’s like the boss of the Catholic Church) gave Notre Dame Basilica a special title. He called it a “minor basilica.” That might sound small, but it’s actually a big deal! It means the church is super important.
Then, in 1989, the Canadian government said, “Hey, this church is really important to our country’s history!” They made it a National Historic Site. That means they’ll always take good care of it so people can enjoy it for years and years.
Where Is Notre Dame Basilica and How to Get There?
Now, you might be wondering, “Where is this Montreal church?” Well, it’s right in the heart of Old Montreal, at 110 Notre-Dame Street West. It’s next to a big square called Place d’Armes, which is a great spot to take photos of the church’s front.
Getting there is easy peasy! Here are some ways:
- Metro (that’s what we call the subway in Montreal): Take the Orange Line to Place-d’Armes station. When you come out, you’ll see the church right there!
- Bus: Lots of buses stop nearby. Just ask the driver to let you know when you’re close to Place d’Armes.
- Car: You can drive, but parking can be tricky in Old Montreal. There are some parking lots nearby, but they can be a bit pricey.
- Walking: If you’re already in Old Montreal, you can just walk there. It’s a nice stroll through the old streets.
Here’s a tip: If you’re coming from far away, use the metro. It’s cheaper than parking, and you don’t have to worry about traffic!
Want more insider tips for cool spots in Montreal? Check out https://destination.com/ for travel guides that’ll help you plan an awesome trip. We’ve got the scoop on the best times to visit, hidden gems nearby, and how to make the most of your time in one of the world’s most popular travel destinations!
What Will You See Inside Notre Dame Basilica?
When you walk into Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, your eyes won’t know where to look first. The ceiling is painted dark blue with golden stars, like a night sky. There are big, colorful windows that tell stories about Montreal’s past.
And don’t miss the huge organ at the back – it’s got thousands of pipes! Every bit of the church is covered in cool carvings and paintings.
Stained Glass Windows: Montreal’s History in Color
First, let’s talk about the windows. These aren’t your average church windows. Instead of showing Bible stories, they tell the history of Montreal.
There are 39 of these amazing windows. They were designed by a guy named Jean-Baptiste Lagacé. He drew all the pictures, and then they were made into glass in France.
The windows are full of bright colors – blues, reds, greens, and golds. When the sun shines through, it’s like the whole church lights up.
Here’s a fun fact: The windows were added in the 1920s, almost 100 years after the church was built. They wanted to make the church extra special for Montreal’s 300th birthday.
Wood and Gold: The Basilica’s Detailed Decorations
Now, let’s look at the rest of the church. It’s like someone took a giant paintbrush and painted everything blue and gold! The ceiling is deep blue with golden stars. It’s supposed to look like the night sky.
There are wooden carvings everywhere. On the walls, on the ceiling, even on the benches where you sit!
These carvings tell stories too. Some show plants and animals, others show people from the Bible. The wood is painted in bright colors and covered with gold paint to make it shine.
At the front of the church is a giant altar. It’s covered in gold and has lots of statues. The biggest one is of Jesus on the cross. It’s so detailed you can see the expression on his face!
Here’s something interesting: All these decorations were added in the late 1800s by Victor Bourgeau. He wanted to make the inside of the church match how fancy the outside was.
The Big Organ: Music at Notre Dame Basilica
Now, let me tell you about the coolest instrument you’ll ever see – the organ! This isn’t just any organ. It’s one of the biggest in North America!
The organ was built by a company called Casavant Frères in 1891. That’s over 130 years ago! It has 7,000 pipes. Some are tiny, like a pencil, and some are as big as a car!
Here are some cool facts about the organ:
- It has four keyboards and a pedal board (that’s like a keyboard for your feet).
- It can make 92 different sounds.
- When it plays, you can feel the music in your chest. It’s that powerful!
Lots of famous musicians have played this organ. They have concerts here all the time. If you’re lucky, you might get to hear it when you visit! Here’s a table of the main organists who’ve played at Notre Dame Basilica:
Organist | Years They Played |
---|---|
Jean Girard | 1725–1765 |
Guillaume Mechtler | 1792–1832 |
Jean-Chrysostome Brauneis II | 1833–1844 |
Leonard Eglauch | 1845 |
Jean-Baptiste Labelle | 1849–1891 |
Alcibiade Béique | 1891–1896 |
Joseph-Daniel Dussault | 1896–1921 (except for 8 months in 1916) |
August Liessens | 1916 |
Benoît Poirier | 1921–1954 |
Pierre Grandmaison | 1973–present |
Since 1973, Pierre Grandmaison has been the main organist at the Basilica. He’s from Montreal and learned to play piano at a school called École de musique Vincent-d’Indy.
He also learned about organs from two teachers named Eugène Lapierre and Françoise Aubut. Pierre’s been playing the big organ at Notre Dame Basilica for almost 50 years!
How to Visit Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal?
Now that you’re all excited about Notre Dame Basilica, you probably want to know how to visit. Don’t worry, I’ve got all the info you need right here!
Opening Hours and Mass Schedule at Notre Dame Basilica
First things first, let’s talk about when you can visit. The basilica is open every day, but the times change depending on the day. Here’s a handy table to help you remember:
Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
---|---|---|
Monday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
Sunday | 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
Remember, these times are for visiting and tours. If you want to go to a church service, here’s when they happen:
Day | Time and Location |
---|---|
Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. (Sacred Heart Chapel) |
Saturday | 5:00 p.m. (Nave of the Basilica) |
Sunday | 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (Nave of the Basilica) |
Heads up: All Masses are in French only. Also, they have Adoration from Monday to Friday in the Sacred Heart Chapel, right after Mass. It’s from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and again from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Now, about tickets. Yes, you need to buy a ticket to go inside. I know, it seems weird to pay to enter a church, but the money helps them keep the place looking nice. Here’s what it costs:
Age Group | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
Adults | $16.00 | $11.59 |
Seniors (65+) | $15.00 | $10.87 |
Students (17-22) | $14.00 | $10.14 |
Kids (6-16) | $10.00 | $7.25 |
Little kids (5 and under) | Free | Free |
They also have family rates if you’re going with your parents and siblings. It’s a bit cheaper that way.
Accessibility at Notre Dame Basilica Montreal
If you have trouble walking or use a wheelchair, most of the basilica is easy to get around. But some parts might be tricky because it’s an old building. If you need help, just ask the staff. They’re super friendly!
Oh, and here’s something cool: They take the Companion Leisure Card (CAL). If you have this card, the person helping you can get in for free. That’s pretty nice of them, right?
Guided and Self-Guided Tours of Notre Dame Basilica
Taking a tour is a great idea! You’ll learn so much more about the basilica. They have two types of tours:
- Guided tours: These last about 20 minutes. A real person shows you around and tells you all about the church. They point out cool stuff you might miss on your own.
- Self-guided tours: This is where you walk around by yourself. They give you a map with 24 interesting spots to look at. You can take as long as you want, but most people spend about an hour.
Both tours are included in your ticket price. So why not do both? Start with the guided tour to get the big picture, then do the self-guided tour to look closer at the things you liked best.
What’s the AURA Light Show?
AURA is a special nighttime show at Notre Dame Basilica that started in 2017. It combines music and light projections to bring the basilica’s architecture to life in a whole new way. The show happens after regular visiting hours and lasts about 45 minutes.
Here are the ticket prices for AURA:
Age Group | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
Adult | $35.00 | $25.36 |
Senior (65+) | $30.00 | $21.74 |
Student (17-22) | $29.00 | $21.01 |
Child (6-16) | $20.00 | $14.49 |
Child (5 and under) | Free | Free |
Family (2 adults + 2 children) | $95.00 | $68.84 |
The show times change depending on the season, so it’s best to check the official website when you’re planning your visit. Usually, there are one or two shows each evening, starting between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
For the best experience, arrive about 15 minutes before the show starts. Photography is allowed, but without flash. Also, once the show begins, you can’t leave and come back in, so make sure you’re comfortable before it starts!
Notre Dame Basilica Through Different Seasons
Did you know Notre Dame Basilica is super cool no matter when you visit? Let me tell you about the awesome stuff that happens here all year long!
Christmas Magic at Notre Dame Basilica
At Christmas, Notre Dame Basilica turns into a real-life winter wonderland! They put up sparkly lights and green garlands everywhere. And get this – they have a huge Christmas tree too!
Want to hear something neat? The basilica has this really old nativity scene. It’s like a little model of baby Jesus, and it was made way back in the 1800s in France.
Every year, they play this famous song called Handel’s Messiah. It’s all about Jesus, and when you hear it with the big organ, it’ll give you goosebumps!
Easter Celebration at Notre Dame Basilica
When spring rolls around, Notre Dame Basilica gets ready for Easter. The week before is called Holy Week, and something special happens every single day!
Here’s a fun fact: On Easter morning, the basilica’s bells do this special ring called a “peal.” It’s to celebrate Jesus coming back to life. If you’re there, you’ll hear it!
Summer Fun at Notre Dame Basilica: Concerts, Festivals, and Tours
Summer at Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is a blast! First off, it’s nice and cool inside when it’s super hot outside. That’s a big plus!
They have all sorts of concerts in summer. Some are fancy classical music, and others are more modern.
But here’s the really exciting part – sometimes they do these special “behind the scenes” tours. You get to see parts of the basilica that most people never get to see!
And don’t forget about the International Organ Festival in July. Organ players from all over the world come to play the big Casavant organ. It’s like a music party in the church!
Why Is Notre Dame Basilica Important to Montreal?
Notre Dame Basilica isn’t just a pretty building. It’s a big part of Montreal’s history and culture. Let me explain why it’s so special.
Big Events: From Weddings to Funerals
Lots of important things have happened at Notre Dame Basilica. Some are happy, some are sad, but they’re all part of Montreal’s story.
For example, Celine Dion got married here in 1994. She’s a super famous singer from Quebec. Her wedding was a huge deal! The basilica was all decorated, and fans waited outside to see her.
On the sadder side, they’ve had funerals for important people here too. In 2000, they had the funeral for Pierre Trudeau. He was the Prime Minister of Canada. Lots of world leaders came to that funeral.
More recently, in 2024, they had the funeral for Brian Mulroney, another Prime Minister. When stuff like this happens, it reminds everyone how important the basilica is.
Here’s a list of some big events that have happened at Notre Dame Basilica:
- 1829: The basilica opens
- 1982: It becomes a minor basilica
- 1994: Celine Dion’s wedding
- 2000: Pierre Trudeau’s funeral
- 2024: Brian Mulroney’s funeral
Art and Culture at Notre Dame
Notre Dame Basilica isn’t just about religion. It’s also a place for art and culture. The building itself is a work of art, with all its carvings and paintings.
They have art exhibitions sometimes. Local artists show their work in the basilica. It’s cool to see modern art in such an old building!
There are concerts all the time too. Not just organ music, but all kinds of music. Jazz, classical, even pop music sometimes! The basilica has great acoustics, which means the sound is really good.
Did you know that the basilica has its own choir. They sing at church services and also give concerts. Some people say they’re one of the best choirs in Canada!
How Do They Keep Notre Dame Basilica Looking So Good?
You might be wondering how a building that’s almost 200 years old still looks so amazing. Well, it takes a lot of work!
What Kind of Repairs Do They Do?
Just like your house needs fixing sometimes, so does the basilica. But because it’s so old and special, they have to be really careful.
They have a team of experts who check the building all the time. They look for things like:
- Cracks in the walls
- Leaks in the roof
- Damage to the stained glass windows
- Problems with the wooden carvings
When they find something wrong, they fix it right away. Sometimes they have to close parts of the church to do big repairs. But they try to keep most of it open for visitors.
Here’s something interesting: They’re doing a big project right now to fix up the outside of the church. It’s going to take until 2040! That’s because they’re being super careful to do it right.
How Can Visitors Help?
When you visit Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, you’re actually helping to keep it in good shape! The money from tickets goes to taking care of the building.
But if you want to do more, you can:
- Make a donation: They have boxes where you can put money to help with repairs.
- Be careful: Don’t touch the art or carvings. They’re very delicate!
- Follow the rules: Like no flash photography inside. The bright light can damage the art over time.
By being a good visitor, you’re helping to make sure Notre Dame Basilica stays beautiful for years to come!
What Are Some Attractions Near Notre Dame Basilica?
After you’ve seen the basilica, you might want to explore the area around it. You’re in luck, because there’s lots of cool stuff nearby!
Old Montreal: A Step Back in Time
Notre Dame Basilica is in a part of the city called Old Montreal. It’s the oldest part of the city, and it looks like it’s from a storybook! The streets are made of cobblestones (that’s like bumpy rocks), and the buildings are really old.
Here are some things you can see in Old Montreal:
- Place d’Armes: This is the square right in front of the basilica. It’s a great place to take photos!
- The Old Port: It’s a short walk from the basilica. You can see big ships, go to the science center, or ride a Ferris wheel.
- Bonsecours Market: This is an old market building that now has shops and restaurants.
- Château Ramezay: It’s an old house that’s now a museum about Montreal’s history.
All these places are within a 10-15 minute walk from Notre Dame Basilica. So you can see lots of cool stuff in one day! When planning your trip, you might also consider other places to visit in Canada for first time visitors to make the most of your journey.
Places to Eat and Sleep Near Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal Canada
After all that exploring, you’ll probably be hungry! There are lots of great places to eat near Notre Dame Basilica. Here are a few:
- Olive et Gourmando: It’s a bakery and café with yummy sandwiches and pastries.
- Stash Café: They serve Polish food. It’s different and delicious!
- Modavie: This is a fancy restaurant with live jazz music.
If you’re staying overnight, there are hotels for all budgets. Some are even in old buildings that have been turned into hotels! Here are a few options:
- Hotel Nelligan: It’s right next to the basilica. It’s fancy but comfy.
- Auberge du Vieux-Port: This hotel is in an old warehouse by the river.
- Hotel Épik: It’s a smaller hotel in a historic building. The rooms have exposed brick walls and modern furniture, giving you a mix of old and new Montreal.
Pro tip: staying close to Notre Dame Basilica means you’ll be right in the heart of Old Montreal. You can wake up early and beat the crowds to the basilica, or take a romantic evening stroll to see it lit up at night.
What’s Special About Notre Dame Basilica’s Architecture?
Now, let’s talk about why Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal looks so cool. It’s not just a big church – it’s a special kind of architecture called Gothic Revival.
What Does Gothic Revival Mean?
Gothic Revival was a popular style in the 1800s. It was inspired by the big, fancy churches built in Europe during the Middle Ages. James O’Donnell, the architect who designed Notre Dame Basilica, was one of the first to use this style in Canada.
Here are some things that make Gothic Revival special:
- Pointed arches: Look at the windows and doors. They’re not round at the top, but pointy. This makes the building look tall and reaching up to the sky.
- Tall towers: The basilica has two big towers at the front. The west tower is 69 meters (226 feet) tall! That’s as high as a 23-story building.
- Big windows: Gothic Revival buildings have huge windows to let in lots of light. At Notre Dame Basilica, these windows are filled with colorful stained glass.
- Detailed decorations: There are lots of little carvings and designs all over the building. Look for things like flowers, leaves, and tiny statues.
How Notre Dame Basilica Stands Out from Other Churches
You might think Notre Dame Basilica is just like other big churches, but it’s got some tricks up its sleeve! Let’s check out what makes it special:
Towers That Tell a Tale
Most Gothic churches have twin towers, like matching bookends. But Notre Dame Basilica likes to mix things up!
The west tower, nicknamed “La Persévérance,” stands 69 meters tall. That’s about as high as a 23-story building! Inside, it houses a massive bell called Jean-Baptiste. This big guy weighs 10,900 kg – that’s like 11 cars!
The east tower, “La Tempérance,” is a bit shorter but no less cool. It’s home to a set of 10 bells that play tunes. From 9 AM to 6 PM, these bells chime every hour, playing the same melody as Big Ben in London!
A Rainbow of Colors Inside
Step into most Gothic churches, and you’ll see a lot of gray stone. But Notre Dame Basilica? It’s like walking into a giant jewelry box! Victor Bourgeau went wild with colors in the 1870s.
The ceiling is deep blue with golden stars, making you feel like you’re under the night sky. The columns and walls are decked out in reds, blues, purples, and lots of gold. Even the wooden pews are painted and decorated!
Windows That Tell Montreal’s Story
Usually, church windows show scenes from the Bible. But Notre Dame Basilica does things differently.
Its 39 stained glass windows, added in the 1920s, tell the story of Montreal’s history. You’ll see pictures of the city’s founding, important events, and local saints. It’s like a colorful history book!
One window even shows the construction of Victoria Bridge, completed in 1859. Another features Maisonneuve, Montreal’s founder, fighting off Iroquois warriors. It’s a unique way to learn about the city’s past!
A Modern Twist on Tradition
While Notre Dame Basilica honors its history, it’s not stuck in the past. In 2017, they started the AURA light show, blending cutting-edge technology with the basilica’s classic beauty. It’s a perfect example of how this old church keeps finding new ways to amaze people.
What’s the Story Behind the Basilica’s Famous Organ?
We’ve talked a bit about the organ, but there’s so much more to know! This isn’t just any organ – it’s one of the most famous in North America.
How Big Is the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal Organ?
The organ at Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is huge! Here are some mind-blowing facts:
- It has 7,000 pipes: That’s right, seven thousand! Some are tiny, just a few centimeters long. Others are as big as a car.
- It has 92 stops: These are like different voices the organ can use. It can sound like a flute, a trumpet, or even like a whole orchestra.
- It has four keyboards and a pedal board: The organist uses their hands on the keyboards and their feet on the pedals to play.
- It weighs 24 tons: That’s as heavy as four big elephants!
Who Made Notre Dame Basilica Organ?
The organ was built by a company called Casavant Frères. They’re from Quebec and are famous for making great organs. They built this one in 1891, and it took them almost a year to finish it.
Over the years, they’ve updated the organ to keep it in good shape. In 1924, they added an electric blower to make it easier to play. In 1952, they made it even bigger, adding more pipes and stops.
Why Should You Visit Notre Dame Basilica?
After learning all about Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, you might be wondering if it’s worth a visit. Let me tell you, it definitely is! Here’s why:
- It’s a one-of-a-kind place: There’s no other church in the world quite like Notre Dame Basilica. Its mix of history, art, and architecture is totally unique.
- You’ll learn a lot: Whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or religion, you’ll discover something new at the basilica.
- It’s a feast for your eyes: From the colorful stained glass to the intricate carvings, there’s so much to see. You could visit many times and still notice new details.
- The music is amazing: Whether you hear the organ during a concert or as part of the AURA show, it’s an unforgettable experience.
- It’s a big part of Montreal’s story: Visiting Notre Dame Basilica helps you understand the history and culture of Montreal.
So, next time you’re in Montreal, make sure to stop by Notre Dame Basilica. Whether you take a quick tour or spend hours exploring, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!