Experts' Choice Award Notre-Dame Basilica
What the experts agree on
Montreal's most ornate basilica dazzles with soaring Gothic Revival towers, intricate wooden carvings, and stained glass depicting the city's religious history. The peaceful interior inspires awe despite its deliberately elaborate aesthetic.
“As visitors enter, eyes are drawn to the ensemble of white oak statues, part of the imposing reredos that stands out against the background's soft blue hues.”
– Michelin Guide
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Montréal's famous landmark, Notre-Dame Basilica, is a visually pleasing if slightly gaudy symphony of carved wood, paintings, gilded sculptures and stained-glass windows." Full review
Afar Magazine "This is definitely the mother of all cathedrals in Montreal. It is so ornate and peaceful inside, you can’t help but be awed by its beauty. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "A grand Gothic Revival basilica with stained glass depictions of Montreal's religious history has only one soul resting in its crypt. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The church features two soaring towers and stands as a dramatic example of the Gothic Revival style. Its grand interior is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and religious statues." Full review
U.S. News & World Report7.0
"It is said that when architect James O'Donnell designed the Notre-Dame Basilica in 1824, he was so moved by the outcome that he himself converted to Catholicism." Full review
National Geographic "From my room window I can make out Notre-Dame Basilica, an imposing hunk of 19th-century neo-Gothic masonry. So I enter, light a four-day prayer candle, then weave through tour groups to..."
National Geographic "Pass the Notre-Dame Basilica, which resembles a smaller version of its Parisian namesake"
National Geographic "Old meets new at Old Montreal's spectacular basilica with this immersive light and music show. Most evenings, as audiences watch on from the pews, ctivating scenes themed around the..."
