When it was first built in the mid-19th century, Notre Dame Basilica (or the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, in French, still the primary language of Québéc) was the largest church in North America. It has since been eclipsed in terms of square footage by the modern evangelical mega churches in the South and Midwest, but Notre Dame still surely ranks as one of the most spectacular. And with a prime spot in the heart of Old Montreal fronting onto Place D’Armes, its quaint environs of cobblestone streets and European architecture add to its old-world charm.
In this shot looking toward the high altar, the dramatic backlighting framing and accenting the intricate Gothic Revival features creates something quite unique. And With two mezzanine floors for seating on three walls, the Basilica can comfortably seat up to 2,700 people.
You don’t need to squint too hard to see the French-Catholic influence, but then this is the Québécois heartland, after all. With the twin towers on the outside reminiscent of its Parisian namesake, the Gothic revival interior is extraordinarily ornate, combining incredible detail and the traditional Gothic sharp arches with a modern twist of dramatic accent lighting in a in a range of hues, especially a rich blue. The effect isn’t what you’d call subtle, and it’s perilously close to something Disney would dream up, but it is quite something to behold.
A horse-drawn carriage with tourists passes by the front of the Notre Dame Basilica next to Place d'Armes after a recent snowfall. Illuminated angels light up the entrance arches for Christmas, and during the winter months the Basilica hosts an elaborate evening sound and light performance.
This is a closer view of the high altar. Combinations of accent lights and backlighting create an extraordinary effect, although one couldn
Candles and votives illuminate a statue of the crucifixion in one of the side alcoves of the Basilica.
 A statue just inside the main entrance. Several of the statues and artworks throughout the Basilica highlight the work of local Catholic women. |
 The Gothic revival arches frame the altar of the Basilica. |
Looking back towards the entrance. At center is the impressive pipe organ consisting of 9,000 pipes. At far right is the ornately carved pulpit.
