We did a lot of outdoor exploring in Montréal, enjoying both the city’s streets and green spaces. The only indoor attraction that we visited that required a ticket for entry was the Basilique Notre-Dame. The gorgeous Gothic Revival cathedral dominates Plaza d’Armes. Designed by James O’Donnell in 1823, the architect was so enamored with his own work that he converted to Catholicism so that he could be buried there. After enjoying the exterior of the church, we waited on a short line for tickets and went inside.
While the outside of the cathedral was beautiful, the inside was absolutely breath-taking. There are so many incredible design features, it is impossible to take it in all at once. The vaulted blue ceiling features beautiful wooden beams and shiny gold leaf motifs. The columns are gilded and painted in intricate designs. Taken as a whole, the interior is absolutely dazzling.
The cathedral’s two most impressive features are found at opposite ends of the nave. At the back side of the church over the entrance is a massive pipe organ dating back to 1891. With 7,000 individual pipes, 92 stops on 4 manual 61 note keyboards, and a 32 note pedalboard, it is one of the largest and most impressive organs in North America.
At the front of the church is the stunning altarpiece. The Crucifixion is featured at the center of the altarpiece and surrounded by sculptures depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Above the Crucifixion is a sculpture of the coronation of Mary, and below is a wood carving of the Last Supper.
Perhaps my favorite feature of the cathedral was the pulpit, known as The Pulpit of Truth. Located on the left hand side towards the center of the church, the spiral staircase pulpit is a stunning work of art. The detailed woodworking of the stairs and different levels of the pulpit are incredible, and the statues of Ezekial and Jeremiah at the base are amazingly lifelike. In addition to its artistic appeal, the pulpit is functional as well. The design and location of the pulpit are such that sermons can be heard throughout the church without amplification.
There are interesting features around the outside edges of the nave as well. Stained glass windows, confessionals, statues, and even digital prayer candles make for a fascinating walk around the cathedral’s interior perimeter. And I loved that the end of each pew has a carving of a different religious figure.
The interior of Basilique Notre-Dame is something that must be seen in person. Words cannot describe it and photos do not do it justice. It is one of the most visually stunning places I have ever been. It is truly magnificent and should not be missed.
