Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The Notre-Dame Basilica, a minor basilica in Old Montreal, Canada, has one of the most dramatic church interiors in the world. It is considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, filled with intricate wood carvings, rich colors, and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Though the congregation was active at this site since 1672, the current basilica was built between 1824 and 1829. It was the largest church in North America at the time, and remained so for the following five decades.

At first I was surprised that this magnificent building went up in such a short period, but then I learned that that was just the core building. The bell towers and the interior were not completed until around 1900.

Rather than more traditional biblical scenes, the stained-glass windows in the basilica show Montreal’s history and moments from parishioners’ religious lives. 

The basilica was named the sixth most beautiful building in the world in 2023, based on an analysis of TripAdvisor reviews. 

Doug and I stopped in to the basilica during the day, a typical visit where one walks around with mouth agape and head tilted back. But then we returned at night for the AURA Experience.

Before it officially kicks off, you can see light effects on paintings (see videos), and what looked like stars shooting up the altarpiece. The actual experience –– for which of course they demanded no video be taken, as it would detract from everyone’s enjoyment –– involved gorgeous music playing to accompany a 20-minute light show. 

The acoustics were wonderful, and the show was specific to this basilica, highlighting architectural features and making you see the details in a way you did not before. 

Doug and I both really enjoyed it.  You can see a short TV piece on it on YouTube.