Notre-Dame Basilica is the most stunning interior in Canada — a Gothic Revival church whose nave explodes with colour in a way that catches even seasoned travellers off guard. The interior, designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell and completed in 1829, is painted in deep blue, gold, and rich crimson, with a vaulted ceiling of azure stars, polychrome woodcarving covering every surface, and stained glass windows that depict the founding of Montreal rather than the usual biblical scenes.
The basilica was the largest church in North America when it was built, and its twin 69-metre towers dominated the Montreal skyline for decades. The interior was decorated by Victor Bourgeau in the 1870s in the style that has become the basilica's signature — the gilded altarpiece, the elaborately carved wooden galleries, and the 7,000-pipe Casavant organ that fills the nave with sound during concerts and the AURA light show that has become one of Montreal's most popular attractions.
The AURA experience, which runs most evenings, uses projection mapping to transform the interior into an immersive light show — colours and images flowing across the columns, ceiling, and altar in choreographed sequences set to music. The effect is simultaneously sacred and theatrical, which is appropriate for a building that has always been as much about spectacle as spirituality. Celine Dion was married here in 1994, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau's state funeral was held here in 2000 — the basilica serves as Canada's unofficial national church for occasions that demand grandeur.
Verified Facts
The basilica was completed in 1829, designed by James O'Donnell
It was the largest church in North America when built
The organ has approximately 7,000 pipes made by Casavant Frères
Celine Dion married René Angélil at the basilica in 1994
Get walking directions
110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Vieux-Montréal, Montreal
