Notre-Dame Basilica : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

If you want to experience a piece of French history in Canada, then Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is a must-see for your travel list! This magnificent basilica has been standing for more than 165 years and is an iconic part of the Montreal skyline. Notre-Dame Basilica is a National Historic Site of Canada, and as such, it tells a unique and interesting story. You can learn about its history, as well as some of the interesting and fascinating facts about this architectural wonder. In this guide, we will review some of the most interesting facts, information, and travel tips to ensure you make the most out of your visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica!

Interesting Facts About Notre-Dame Basilica

1. The oldest remaining parts of the Notre-Dame Basilica date back to 1672 and the second phase of original construction concluded in 1829.

2. The church features a combination of Neoclassical and Gothic designs.

3. The stunning stained glass windows were designed in 1985 by artist Armand Vaillancourt.

4. The magnificent organ was created in 1891 and it is still used regularly for religious services.

5. The church houses a total of seven organs, including a new four manual, 209 ranks, 94 voice pipe organ, installed in 1991.

6. The Notre-Dame Basilica is believed to be the home of the oldest, continuously used pipe organ in North America.

7. The basilica is known for its ornate wooden carvings, marble sculptures, and paintings, including a painting of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be more than 250 years old.

8. The Notre-Dame Basilica regularly hosts concerts and may be the only cathedral in North America to have had a recurrent program of musically classical concerts.

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History & Information About Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica (or Our Lady Basilica) is a historic church located in the center of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The church was built in the 19th century by architect James O’Donnell, who was inspired by the Neo-Gothic Revival style of the cathedrals of Northern France. It stands on the site of a 1672 French missionary church. Notre-Dame Basilica is known for its intricate interior decoration, filled with intricate religious scenes, sculptures, and stained glass. The church also has an impressive pipe organ.

Notre-Dame Basilica is considered a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1984 and was the site of the funeral Mass of the first Canadain Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in 1919.

The Basilica also hosts regular concerts, including the Notre-Dame Concerts, which take place in the summer and are some of the most popular events in Montreal. During the summer months, visitors can also explore the shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

The Notre-Dame Basilica is an important symbol of Montreal’s history, culture, and religion, and is one of the city’s most visited attractions.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica is located in Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and is one of the oldest churches in North America. The first building of this basilica was built in 1647 and expanded over the next few hundred years to become the stunning building it is today. Named after the Virgin Mary, the Notre-Dame Basilica is a 20th-century interpretation of Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival religious architecture. It is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Montreal and a must-see tourist destination when visiting the city.

How to Reach the Notre-Dame Basilica:

The Notre-Dame Basilica can be easily reached by public transportation, namely, the Montreal Metro. The closest Metro station is Champ-de-Mars, located less than a 10-minute walk from the church. Alternatively, visitors can also take the Montreal bus network, which stops right in front of the basilica.

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Opening Hours and Tickets:

The Notre-Dame Basilica is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last entry allowed at 3:45 pm. Admission to the church is free but there is a cost for the guided tour of the church. The audio-guided tour costs $7 for adults and $5 for children aged 7 and below.

Attractions at the Notre-Dame Basilica:

Notre-Dame Basilica is best known for its incredible architecture and stunning stained glass windows. The church also features a huge pipe organ, notable sculptures, and intricate decorations. There are also two chapels inside the basilica – the Chapelle de la Vierge, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the Chapelle de la Visitation, devoted to the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

Live performances are regularly held at the basilica. Music concerts are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm, while Sunday services are held at 11 am.

Dining and Shopping:

The Notre-Dame Basilica has a gift shop that sells souvenirs and religious items, and the adjacent monastery has an excellent restaurant, the Hospitalite Notre-Dame de Montreal. It is famous for its traditional Quebec cuisine and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Notre-Dame Basilica

Q. What is the Notre-Dame Basilica-Montreal?
A. Notre-Dame Basilica-Montreal is a breathtakingly beautiful Gothic style church located in the heart of Old Montreal. It has been a major religious and architectural site since its construction in the early 19th century.

Q. What are the opening hours of the Notre-Dame Basilica-Montreal?
A. The Cathedral is opened seven days a week: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm and on Sundays from 8am to 5pm.

Q. Is there an admission charge to visit the Notre-Dame Basilica-Montreal?
A. Yes, there is an admission fee. It is $3 for adults and $2 for children.

Q. Is photography permitted inside the Notre-Dame Basilica-Montreal?
A. Photography is allowed in the basilica but no flash photography is permitted.

Q. Is there an audio guide available for visitors?
A. Yes, audio guides are available for loan at the entrance, free of charge.

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