History and architecture at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal

The origins of construction

Notre-Dame de Montréal was the result of a meeting between Jean-Jacques Olier and Jérôme Le Royer de la Dauversière. The two men wanted to build a colony and help evangelise the Aboriginal peoples of Quebec.

This first wave of settlers was responsible for the birth of Montreal.

Building Notre-Dame church, years of history

Notre-Dame Basilica is the mother church of Montreal. It is one of the most precious buildings in Quebec's religious heritage.

The first Notre-Dame church was built in 1683. Due to a lack of funds, it had neither a steeple nor a façade. The church was soon enlarged to accommodate the needs of the congregation, but unfortunately its maximum capacity proved far too small for the faithful, who ended up attending mass from the forecourt.

Nearly 200 years later, the parish of Notre-Dame decided to start again from scratch, just opposite the first building, and architect James O'Donnell took inspiration from the Gothic Revival style. To create the country's first Gothic Revival church, the architect took inspiration from Notre-Dame de Paris and Saint-Sulpice. The first church was destroyed in 1830.

Pope John Paul II elevated the Montreal church to the status of Minor Basilica in 1982.

The majestic interior of Notre-Dame Basilica

The Basilica is deeply linked to the history of Montreal. It is an impressive historic building. The vaults, mouldings and interior decorations are of unequalled precision. Every nook and cranny is decorated in gold, blue and artistic geometric shapes. The richness of the interior decor, the stained glass windows and the carved wood tell the story of Montreal by brilliantly combining art and religion.

Place d'Arme and outside view from Old Montreal

Outside, the monument to Maisonneuve, a statue of Montreal's founder of the same name, stands in front of the church. Place d'Arme is a large square in the heart of Old Montreal.

The basilica's organ: exceptional acoustics

Notre-Dame Basilica is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. The sound of the famous Casavant organ, with its 7,000 pipes, is testimony to the Basilica's unique layout.

The AURA show is an immersive experience. This illuminated production by Moment Factory, a multimedia entertainment studio, presents the history of Montreal and its basilica in a visual and musical universe. A unique experience.