Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal, Montreal (must see)

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine situated on Queen Mary Road in Montreal, Quebec's Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. It holds the distinction of being Canada's largest church and is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. The oratory's location on Mount Royal's Westmount Summit grants it prominence, with its towering height and one of the world's largest church domes.

Saint André Bessette established the Oratory in 1904 as a tribute to his patron saint, Saint Joseph. Over the course of six decades, countless architects and workers contributed to its creation. The Oratory's grandeur, featuring a Renaissance Revival facade and an Art Deco interior, has made it an iconic landmark globally, drawing more than 2 million visitors and pilgrims annually.

Remarkably, the Oratory is Montreal's tallest structure, rising over 30 meters above the summit of Mount Royal, making it visible from several kilometers away. It stands out for its defiance of the height restrictions outlined in the municipal building code of Montreal, which generally prohibits structures, including skyscrapers, from surpassing the mountain's elevation.

Since 2018, extensive renovations have been underway on the Oratory's dome and lantern, with completion expected in 2024. The esteemed architecture firms Atelier TAG and Architecture49 have undertaken this project. Once finished, it will provide secure access to the lantern, affording an unparalleled 360-degree view of the city and the mountain.

Why You Should Visit:
Enormous upper church and lower crypt church. Accessible by either stairs or escalators/elevators. Terraces have outstanding views looking down on Montreal. Awe-inspiring.

Tip:
Free pipe organ concerts with organists from around the world on Sunday afternoons!