The oldest city of Montreal (Canada), recognized by UNESCO as the capital of culture and design, is of particular interest to tourists. People come here for bright, unforgettable impressions from viewing modern architectural monuments and cultural and historical sites carefully protected by the authorities.
History of the majestic cathedral
One of the most beautiful sights in North America is the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Montreal, located in the center of the historic part of the city. The grand building in the neo-Gothic architectural style amazes everyone with its grandeur.
At the end of the 17th century, the city's Catholic community raised funds for the construction of a small consecrated church named after Our Lady. For many years she accepted all believers, because at that time she was the only one in the city.
Gradually, Montreal (Canada) grew, and the parishioners with great difficulty fit into a small building. In 1824, the city authorities decided to rebuild a new spacious building on the site of a cramped old one, so that everyonewere able to fit in and listen to the daily masses.
50 years of building and finishing
Surprisingly, the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) was built by an Irish Protestant. He fell so in love with his own creation that at the end of his life he changed his faith in order to be buried in a crypt inside the majestic cathedral.
More than one decade passed, until in 1872 the world-famous church appeared on the site of a small and inconspicuous temple. However, for another 16 years, local craftsmen worked on interior and exterior decoration. And finally the basilica was opened for believers in 1888.
Urban gem
Many consider it a kind of copy of Notre Dame Cathedral, but the church is much smaller than the original. Despite this, the temple can accommodate up to nine thousand people.
Described as a National Treasure of Canada, the basilica is regarded by locals as a real gem, celebrating their beloved city far beyond its borders.
Original ideas
There is not a single person who would not admire the 70-meter bell towers and the striking beauty of the decoration of the temple. The original architectural solutions of the cathedral surprise even experienced tourists.
The most unusual thing is that the building of the temple is decorated with three sculptures, each of which directly symbolizes Montreal itself, the province of Quebec and the country of Canada. Therefore, to talk about an absolutely exact copythe French cathedral of the same name would be out of place. Architects are looking at the unusual ideas of a Canadian religious monument as an addition to the image of the world-famous Parisian masterpiece based on Hugo's novel.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Montreal is famous throughout the world for its two identical turrets, emphasizing the neo-Gothic style. Named "Perseverance" and "Restraint", they are elements of medieval architecture.
Luxury decoration
And if the outside of the cathedral looks quite gloomy, then inside it simply amazes with luxury and makes everyone think about the eternal.
If we talk about the sights of the temple itself, it is impossible not to mention the giant bell brought from Britain, nicknamed "Saint Jean Baptiste" and located in one of the towers. Every Sunday, he gathers parishioners for Mass with a ringing sound that can be heard from a distance of 25 kilometers.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame of Montreal (Canada) surprises with its unusually blue color of its vaults with sparkling golden stars on it.
The altar is carved from precious wood sculptures depicting the prophets. During prayers, parishioners light thousands of candles, creating a unique atmosphere of peace and special grace.
In 1992, a fire that raged in the cathedral destroyed a small chapel and part of the main wooden altar, which was cast in bronze after restoration.
Original stained glass windows
And all the tourists admire the unique stained-glass windows that decorate the windows, ordered especially forcathedral in Limoges. French craftsmen have created an original mosaic depicting individual episodes of urban life in Montreal.
Moreover, these pictures are radically different from the traditional biblical scenes of Holy Scripture. The entire interior of the basilica is well lit so that not a single detail escapes the gaze of the parishioners.
Temple performances and ceremonies
And the fame of the cathedral organ, made by a famous Canadian company, sounds outside the city. Within the walls of the temple, known for its good acoustics, concerts are held where a symphony orchestra plays and the church choir sings. And for the holidays, unusual musical and light performances are arranged, for which residents of other Canadian cities come here.
The permanently open Cathedral of Notre Dame of Montreal does not accept visitors during services and various ceremonies.
Wedding ceremonies are held in the city's national monument, and many years ago it was here that the popular Canadian singer Celine Dion legitimized her marriage before God. Funerals of famous figures of the country are also held here.
Heart of Quebec
The oldest city of Montreal, whose sights are world famous, welcomes thousands of tourists every year. The heart of the province of Quebec, combining modern skyscrapers and buildings with centuries of history, has been compared to Paris and St. Petersburg.
A fascinating trip to Montreal will be a memorable event for all lovers of history.
