5/5 Pavel D. 8 months ago on Google
Absolutely
breathtaking
basilica!
At
least
as
far
as
the
interior
is
concerned.
The
exterior is
frankly
not
the
most
captivating,
it
feels
a
bit
unremarkable.
As
it
is
one
of
the
highlights of
Montreal,
I
could
not
miss
stopping
by
the
basilica,
however
Sunday
afternoon
visit
might
not
have
been
the
best
idea
thanks
to
the
enormous amount of
people
around.
I
would
recommend
picking
less
exposed
times.
I
would
also
advise
purchasing
the
tickets
(yes,
this
basilica
charges
15
CAD
to
enter)
online
if
the
queue
to
enter
is
too
long.
There
are
QR
codes
around,
which
direct
you
to
a
website
to
buy
the
ticket,
however the
site
is
not
the
most
user
friendly
- there
were
too
many
steps
and
clicks
to
make
the
purchase.
If
it
was
already busy
outside,
it
was
even
busier
inside!
It
resembled
nothing
like
a
peaceful
church.
The
place
was
crowded,
loud
and
very
difficult
to
move
around
due
to
the
amount
of
tourists.
Most
of
them
were
not
following
any
sorts
of
rules,
like
trying
to
be
quiet
or
being
considerate
to
others.
Hence
picking
the
right
time
for
a
visit
is
essential.
Once
I
stepped
inside,
though,
I
was
blown
away!
The
interior
was
absolutely
stunning,
and
I
couldn't
believe
my
eyes.
The
wooden
decorations
were
rich
and
intricate,
but
the
most
interesting
part
for
me
was
the
deep
blue
color
used
in
the
sanctuary
and
altar
vaults.
It
was
so
mystical
and
unlike
anything
I've
seen
in
a
church
before.
The
lighting
at
the
sanctuary
was
on
point
as
well,
beautifully
highlighting
the
right
areas
and
creating
a
perfect
atmosphere.
Very
unique
and
unforgettable.
I
saw
information
boards
advertising
for
a
visual
show
called
AURA
-
something
I
regret
not
doing.
It
looked
impressive!
Despite
the
crowds
and
dimmed
lighting
inside,
it
is
relatively
easy
to
miss
other
parts
of
the
basilicas
such
as
the
beautiful
organs
with
their
7000
pipes
or
the
exquisitely
carved
pulpit.
Toilets
are
located
behind
the
altar
and
despite
the
amount
of
visitors,
they
remained
relatively
clean.
What
surprised
me
a
lot
was
the
fact
the
basilica
was
air-conditioned.
Not
that
I
complain,
as
it
was
handy
on
a
hot
day,
it
was
just
a
bit
unusual.
Tip:
If
you
want
to
learn
more
information
about
this
place,
grab
a
paper
pamphlet
at
the
entrance,
otherwise
you
can
book
a
guider
tour
instead.
Visited
on
a
busy
Sunday,
July
2023.
Paid
online
by
card.
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