Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral

If you need to find peace in Montreal, go to this place and just sit inside. this place is architectural Marvel. It’s very beautiful. There is no fee or ticket like notre dame cathedral, and yet same peace and grandiose. You can even walk to Dorchester Square from here or Saint Catherine Street overall this is a great area to hang out.

10/10 – Stunning and Peaceful A breathtaking cathedral in the heart of Montreal. The architecture is magnificent, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with beautiful artwork and a serene atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or quiet reflection.

Historical landmark in Montreal. Duplicate of renowned Saint Peter’s Church in Rome, actually 1/4 of the size. Great place to worship and find peace for sure. Definitely worth the visit!

For a peaceful retreat in Montreal, this stunning architectural marvel is a must-visit. Its beauty is unmatched, and the best part? Admission is free! Unlike Notre Dame Cathedral, you can enjoy the same sense of serenity and grandeur without the cost. Plus, its convenient location allows for easy walks to Dorchester Square or Saint Catherine Street, making it an ideal spot to unwind and explore.

Very beautiful architecture and quite grand. Way quieter than Notre Dame and it's free to enter. We got lucky and had a hotel room facing the back andT was neat seeing the dome from outside as well.

The craftsmanship of the architecture is truly exquisite—there's so much to take in, it's almost overwhelming.

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral (Basilique-Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde) stands as a monumental testament to Montreal's religious heritage and architectural ambition. 🏛️ Historical Significance Commissioned by Bishop Ignace Bourget in the aftermath of the 1852 fire that destroyed Saint-Jacques Cathedral, the new cathedral was envisioned as a symbol of Catholic resilience and influence. Bourget, a proponent of ultramontanism—a movement emphasizing papal authority—sought to assert the Church's presence in a predominantly Protestant area of the city. To achieve this, he commissioned a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, reflecting his deep commitment to the papacy . Construction began in 1875, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1894 as Saint James Cathedral. In 1919, Pope Benedict XV elevated it to the status of a minor basilica. Later, in 1955, Pope Pius XII rededicated it as Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, following his proclamation of this Marian title in the 1954 encyclical Ad caeli reginam . 🏗️ Architectural Highlights Design Inspiration: The cathedral is a quarter-scale replica of St. Peter's Basilica, showcasing Baroque Revival architecture. Its Latin cross layout spans approximately 4,700 square meters, crowned by a 77-meter-high dome . Interior Features: A notable feature is the neo-baroque baldachin over the main altar, modeled after Bernini's design in St. Peter's. Crafted in Rome in 1900 by Joseph-Arthur Vincent, it features red copper adorned with gold leaf, and was sculpted by Olindo Gratton between 1910 and 1911 . Statuary: Thirteen statues representing patron saints of Montreal parishes adorn the cathedral's façade, a nod to the twelve apostles statues at St. Peter's. These were sculpted by Olindo Gratton between 1892 and 1898 . Organ: The cathedral houses a grand organ built by Casavant Frères, originally inaugurated in 1893. It underwent significant enhancements in 1951 and a restoration in 1995–1996, now boasting 93 stops, four manuals, and a pedal board . 🕊️ Cultural and Religious Importance As the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal, the cathedral remains an active place of worship and a central figure in the city's religious life. Its construction during a period of religious tension underscores its role in asserting Catholic identity and influence in Montreal. The cathedral's designation as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2000 further cements its significance in the nation's cultural and historical landscape . 📍 Visiting Information Access: Easily reachable via Bonaventure Metro Station and Central Station. Surroundings: Adjacent to Place du Canada and Dorchester Square, and near landmarks like the Sun Life Building and the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Located at 1085 Cathedral Street, at the intersection of René-Lévesque Boulevard and Metcalfe Street, this cathedral is a prominent feature of downtown Montreal's skyline.

Cathedral is beautiful. I felt like it is being neglected. It needs cleaning. Badly. The city doesn’t seem to appreciate this church. No tickets. It’s free to enter and attend mass . I came from Alberta on pilgrimage, attended service in English Sunday morning. Beautiful mass. Appreciate this building, it’s beautiful.🙏🙏🙏