Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica stands on the Place d'Armes in the heart of Old Montreal, its twin towers rising above the cobblestoned square. Designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell and built between 1824 and 1829, it was the largest church in North America at its completion and remains the spiritual landmark of French Montreal.
The austere Gothic Revival exterior conceals one of the most spectacular church interiors on the continent. The vaulted ceiling glows a deep cobalt blue scattered with golden stars, while the sanctuary blazes with gilded carvings, polychrome wood, and intricate sculptures. Hundreds of stained-glass windows, unusually, depict the religious and social history of Montreal rather than biblical scenes alone. The Casavant Freres pipe organ commands the rear gallery.
Given the rank of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982, Notre-Dame is both a working parish and a magnet for visitors and events, including the funeral of Pierre Trudeau and the wedding of Celine Dion. By night it hosts the immersive Aura sound-and-light show, and it welcomes well over a million visitors each year.
- Annual visitors
- ≈ 1,000,000
- Location
- 45.5044, -73.5561
- Local time
- 18:35 (America/Toronto)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Fri | 09:00–16:30 |
| Sat | 09:00–16:00 |
| Sun | 12:30–16:00 |
Official tourist hours; Sunday opens later (12:30) due to morning Mass; last entry ~30 min before close; varies seasonally.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Marguerite Bourgeoys Saint
Co-founder of Montreal; in the stained-glass windows of Montreal's religious history, relics under the altar.
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Marguerite d'Youville Saint
Founder of the Grey Nuns; her relics are enshrined beneath the basilica's altar.
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André Bessette (Brother André) Saint
Montreal Holy Cross brother; his relics are kept in the basilica's reliquaries.
-
Joseph Saint
One of three Henri Bouriche statues on the main facade.
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John the Baptist Saint
Patron of French Canada; one of the three facade statues by Henri Bouriche.
Care & donations
Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montreal
Charges admission for tourist visits; accepts donations
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