The exterior facade is Gothic Revival and even though it was done in the early 19th century, it bears all the marks of a structure done hundreds of years earlier. With its asymmetric towers and curved arch entrance, the building invites you in to its magnificent interior.

Large enough to hold 4,000, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal was the largest religious structure in North America until surpassed by St. Patric’s Cathedral in New York decades later. Yet it took only five years to complete. Given the richly carved and decorated interior it would be more believable to suppose it took generations, as was the case in the Middle Ages. Indeed, many of the present features did. The current design is largely the vision of architect Victor Bourgeau who led the project between 1874 and 1880.

The high vaulted ceiling is festooned with hand-painted gilded stars on a background of deep sky blue. In this cathedral the stars shine in the daytime as the light filters in from the stained glass windows in the sanctuary to illuminate them. Alongside the windows are a series of awe-inspiring wooden columns, carved by hand and capped with gilt tops. The columns support an equally impressive pair of balconies that span the full length of the sanctuary.

Even more astounding is the massive altar, carved from linden wood and centered around a crucifix with near life-sized sculptures of several Biblical characters. Moses, Abraham, Peter, Paul and more are surrounded by angels. Lit from behind, the figures glow in silhouette. In addition there are 32 panels representing birth, life and death, cast in bronze by artist Charles Daudelin.

Moving half the distance to the narthex is a circular pulpit atop a stage. Access is by a spiral staircase that is itself a work of art. At its base there are several carvings of prophets and other figures. From this vantage point, facing the narthex is the Basilica’s massive organ. A true organ player’s dream, the instrument was completed in 1891 and has over 7,000 pipes and 97 stops.

But that’s not the only heavenly music here. Don’t leave without seeing (and maybe hearing) the 10-bell carillon in the east tower and the massive bell in the west tower. Nicknamed Le Gros Bourdon, the latter weighs more than 12 tons. The sound produces vibrations that will rattle your feet and engulf your ears.

Worshipers may enter free. The standard donation for visitors is a few dollars, with those between 7-17 admitted for half-price. Children 6 and under enter for free.

Located in Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal), at 110 Notre Dame Street West it’s easy to reach via the Metro (Montreal’s subway). Just exit at Place d’Armes.

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A work of devotion by Brother Andre, a lay brother in the Holy Cross order, the present church wasn’t even completed until 30 years after his death. The church was begun in 1924, but only finished in 1967. It began first as a small structure he helped create near the beginning of the 20th century. Starting as a tiny wooden chapel, funds were eventually furnished to build the basilica.

Brother Andre’s unusual character is the reason.

Pilgrims from far and wide would come to his chapel because of a myth that claimed he could heal the crippled. Many would (and sometimes still do) climb the 300 stone steps on their knees to make their way up to be healed. Part of the present church contains hundreds of crutches from those who allegedly found a cure there. But what is unquestionably real is the impressive structure that houses them.

The copper dome forming the room is almost 100 meters high, the second largest in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome. Set atop an otherwise plain and simple looking building, it can be seen from a great distance. From it one can also see a great distance, as visitors on Mont Royal will have a spectacular view of Montreal below.

The interior is large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, more than twice as many as the Basilica de Notre-Dame elsewhere in the city. Though not so ornate inside (or outside) as that Gothic Revival rival, St. Joseph’s has many features that can be found nowhere else.

One of the oddest is the preserved heart of Brother Andre, stored in a case upstairs inside the church. More than 2 million visitors per year gaze upon it. Nearby are many plain, but elegant wooden statues of the apostles, and above is an impressive set of stained glass windows. A white marble statue of St. Joseph is in the main altar.

On special occasions the church’s great organ and 52 bell chimes will sound out, as thousands of votive candles light the interior. A fitting display for one of the world’s most interesting shrines.

St. Joseph’s is located at 3800 Queen Mary Road. Just take the train to Côte-des-Neiges and walk, don’t crawl, up the hill.

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