Maybe it’s the Goan Blood, but I have a thing for Churches…
In my recent trip to Canada, two of them made my jaw drop. They were so stunning, so magnificent, that I gave up taking pictures… they just didn’t compare to the real thing.
I sat down to blog about them, but didn’t know where to start.
So! Here’s my best attempt *fingers crossed* at describing the breathtakingly beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral (Ottawa) and the Notre Dame Basilica (Montreal).
*P.S. Notre Dame is French for Our Lady, referring to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Ottawa
There’s no doubt that visitors must be as struck by the majesty of the Notre Dame Cathedral today, as they were hundreds of years ago. One of Ottawa’s oldest and largest houses of worship, the Cathedral had me in awe of the soaring arches, terraced galleries, stained glass windows and mysterious blue lighting. Built in 1885, this National Historic site is an example of religious art and Gothic Revival Architecture
As you walk down the center, you are flanked with bundled, slender stone columns on either side, separating the aisles from the seating area. The arches progressively open up to a view of stained glass windows behind them, depicting biblical scenes, reflecting the style of the Victorian era.
As if the side arches aren’t impressive enough, look up at the blue domed ceiling, with gold criss-cross patterns all the way to the front and feel the vast space that exists between you and the ceiling. The theatrical decor leads your eyes to gaze upon a gorgeous crown above the main altar
I’ve never seen something as intricate as the detailing on the bronze altar. It is carved wit scenes of the birth and resurrection of Christ and his teachings. The sanctuary around it is rich in Gothic adornments and sculptures of Biblical figures such as St. Joseph, patron saint of Canada, as well as St. John the Baptist and St. Patrick, patron saints of Ottawa. The lateral altars are made of wood, covered in gold leaf and studded with jewels.
Getting There:
There’s great connectivity to the Cathedral by bus. Spend the day in the area, walking around Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Byward Market and visiting museums.
Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal
Similar to the Cathedral in Gothic revival architecture, bluish interiors and lavish decor, the majesty of the Notre Dame Basilica far outweighs its counterpart. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit Montreal’s most famous landmark, a symphony of wood, paintings, gilded sculptures and stained glass.
Built in 1829 the history of the Notre Dame Basilica is intertwined with Montreal’s own. Initially a small wooden chapel operated by the Jesuits, it was not big enough to host parishioners who wanted to attend mass, and they frequently had to worship from the courtyard. Reconstruction was often discussed, but it wasn’t until 1823 that the Church wardens approved the plan. The gigantic church was complete in only 35 months!
The Basilica made headlines in 1994, when Celine Dion was married under the soaring midnight blue ceiling and again, in 2000 when Jimmy Carter and Fidel Castro shared the pall bearing honours at the funeral of Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau.
Sadly, not everyone can marry like Celine Dion did. The Sacred Heart Chapel (also known as the Wedding Chapel) was built inside in 1891, which was seriously damaged when fire broke out in 1978. It was then that the first two levels were rebuilt to be identical to the original chapel in modern style allowing more natural lighting.
I literally had 5 minutes to zoom through the entire church since the tour bus was leaving. Although even hours spent here would have probably not been enough
Getting There:
Metro – Take the Orange line to Place d’Armes Station. Exit on Saint-Urbain Street and walk uphill toward Place D’Armes Square.
Bus- Take southbound Saint-Laurent bus No. 55. Get off at the Notre-Dame Street stop east of the Basilica.
TGG Tips:
- There is no entry fee to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa. The Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal has a CAD 5 entry
- There are ALWAYS weddings at the churches. Find out what time they are before you go. Entry will be denied in case of an event.
- There is no fee to attend a church service, but you will want to take pictures. Plan ahead so that you can click away without having to be disrespectful during a service.
- 20 minute tours are offered in English and French, but skipping it to wander around at your own pace is so much better!