Basilicas of Montreal

Peter and I toured two beautiful Catholic churches today: an Irish Catholic: Saint Patrick’s Basilica and a French Catholic: Notre-Dame Basilica. They were both equisite. My favorite is actually Saint Patrick’s. I have toured many cathedrals and basilicas all across Europe and I do believe Saint Patrick’s in Montreal is my favorite. It is not oppressive, heavy and dark like so many of the others. Saint Patrick’s has an unusual lightness about it and the atmosphere is calming and warm. Notre-Dame Basilica is below. It’s construction was started in 1824. It is very ornate and rich with hues of blue, turquoise, gold and dark polished wood. It is very beautiful but like most basilicas, it has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

Construction of this beautiful church began in 1843. It is designed in the Gothic revival style. The interior is light with soft shades of chartreuse and white oak. I felt very much at peace in this church. Perhaps it is partially a connection to my Irish Catholic ancestors that arrived in Canada in the early nineteenth century.