Page 242 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Canada

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BASILIQUE NOTRE-

DAME-DE-MONTRÉAL

EXPERIENCE Montreal (4pm Sat), 12:30–4pm Sun ∑basiliquenotredame.ca
 D2 ⌂ 110 rue Notre Dame O v Place d’Armes # 8am–4:30pm Mon–Fri

In the center of Place d’Armes the Basilique, Montreal’s grandest Catholic
church, soars above the cobblestones. The striking building is one of the
city’s most popular landmarks, with close to a million annual visitors.

The current basilica dates from 1829, when it replaced a smaller
17th-century church that stood on the site. American architect
James O’Donnell excelled himself by building a vast vaulted The nave is
cavern that was Canada’s first Neo-Gothic church; it has 3,000 illuminated by a rose
seats in the nave and two tiers of balconies. The church’s twin window beneath an
towers rise 226 ft (69 m) above the basilica and are visible azure ceiling.
across the old city. Inside, the interiors were splendidly
redecorated in the 1870s with the intricate woodcarvings
of craftsman Victor Bourgeau.

The main altar
is surrounded by
delicate pine and
walnut woodcarving.

The reredos is the
focus of the nave.

The ornate pulpit
was sculpted by
Philippe Hébert.
The basilica’s
impressive
stone facade
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