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 vivid, unforgettable impressions from viewing modern architectural monuments and cultural and historical objects carefully guarded by the authorities.
The history of the majestic cathedral
One of the most beautiful sights of North America is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Montreal, located in the center of the historic city. The grandiose structure in the neo-Gothic architectural style amazes everyone with its grandeur.
At the end of the XVII century, the urban Catholic community raised funds for the construction of a small consecrated church named after Our Lady. For many years she received all believers, because at that time she was the only one in the city.
Gradually, Montreal (Canada) grew, and parishioners with great difficulty fit in 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 everyone could fit in and listen to daily masses.
50 years for construction and decoration
Surprisingly, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) was built by an Irish Protestant. He fell in love with his own creation so much that at the end of his life he changed his faith in order to be buried in a crypt inside a magnificent cathedral.
Not 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 internal and external decoration. And finally the basilica opened for believers in 1888.
City pearl
Many consider it a peculiar copy of Notre Dame Cathedral, but the church is significantly inferior to the original in size. Despite this, the temple can accommodate up to nine thousand people.
The Basilica, listed on the Canadian National Heritage List, is considered by locals to be a real gem, glorifying the 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 amazingly beautiful decoration of the temple. The original architectural solutions of the cathedral surprise even many tourists who have seen it.
The most unusual is that the temple building is decorated with three sculptures, each of which directly symbolizes Montreal itself, the province of Quebec and the country of Canada. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to speak of an absolutely exact copy of the eponymous French cathedral. Architects see the unusual ideas of the Canadian religious monument as an addition to the image of the Parisian masterpiece world-famous from the Hugo novel.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Montreal is world famous for its two identical towers, emphasizing the neo-Gothic style. Bearing the names "Persistence" and "Restraint", they are elements of medieval architecture.
The luxury of decoration
And if the cathedral outside looks gloomy enough, then inside it simply amazes with luxury and makes everyone think about the eternal.
If we talk about the sights of the temple itself, then 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 mass for the congregation with a ringing, audible at a distance of 25 kilometers.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Montreal (Canada) also surprises with the unusually blue color of its arches with sparkling gold stars on it.
Sculptures depicting prophets carved from wood of expensive breeds are the altar. During prayers, parishioners light thousands of candles, creating a unique atmosphere of peace and special grace.
In 1992, a fire raging in the cathedral destroyed a small chapel and part of the main wooden altar, which, after restoration, was cast in bronze.
Original stained glass
And all the tourists are delighted with the unique stained-glass windows, decorated specially for the cathedral in Limoges, decorating the windows. French craftsmen created an original mosaic depicting individual episodes of the city life of Montreal.
Moreover, these paintings are radically different from the traditional biblical scenes of the Holy Scriptures. The entire interior of the basilica is well-lit so that not a single detail escapes the eyes of the parishioners.
Performances and ceremonies in the temple
And the fame of the cathedral organ, made by a well-known Canadian company, sounds outside the city. The walls of the temple, famous for its good acoustics, host concerts where a symphony orchestra plays and a church choir sings. And on holidays unusual musical and light performances are arranged, for the sake of which residents of other cities of Canada come here.
The constantly open Cathedral of Our Lady of Montreal does not receive 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 legalized her marriage union before God . The funeral of famous figures of the country is also held here.
Quebec heart
The oldest city of Montreal, whose attractions are world famous, receives thousands of tourists every year. The heart of Quebec, combining modern skyscrapers and buildings with a long history, is compared with Paris and St. Petersburg.
A fascinating trip to Montreal will be a memorable event for all lovers of history.