I am finishing this series on churches today with this one. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the most prominent Catholic church in the city. A small church, St. Jacques, was on this site already in 1832. The construction of this church started in the 1840s, with work continuing on the exterior and interior in the years afterwards. It is a mix of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classical styles, and its spires are visible from many places on both sides of the Ottawa River.
This one is really ornate! I've enjoyed this tour.
ReplyDeleteOkay, we're finished with a cathedral, it was very good teaching of churches that you have given us.
ReplyDeleteTomás.
I love the photos where the ceiling looks blue!
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP
Majestic and solemn architecture!
ReplyDeleteOh I really like this one.
ReplyDeleteLove that blue ceiling!
ReplyDeleteIt's truly magnificent. Love the altar area and the stained-glass windows. I can see why it is well-regarded and looks popular, too, as I think I see a couple of tour buses parked out front.
ReplyDeleteGreat serie, William. This seems to be the most beautiful or at least one of the most beautiful churches there are in Ottawa.
ReplyDeleteIt's as beautiful inside as it is on the outside.
ReplyDeleteBoth the exterior and interior very beautiful designs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. Love the stained glass especially.
ReplyDeletePretty fancy and very busy. The sanctuary seems very dark.
ReplyDeleteStunning altar area. We have one in Lewiston St. Peter and Paul that looks quite similar on the outside.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive.
ReplyDelete@Halcyon: I figured this one was a good way to close out the church series.
ReplyDelete@Tomas: thank you!
@Janis: it's a great colour... I would imagine painting that would be problematic!
@VP: I've always thought so, and the basilica is well used.
@Janey: so do I.
@Revrunner: it really is a beautiful space inside.
@Lowell: yes, a good number of the people inside came off those tour buses. The basilica is open through the day, so unless there's a mass going on (which is done regularly, especially on Sundays, it's not a problem seeing the interior.
@Jan: I think it is the most beautiful church in the city.
@EG: it certainly is!
@Nancy: I agree.
@Linda: me too.
@Red: I've seen it fully lit, which has a different effect, but I rather like just the natural light coming from the windows in this instance.
@Birdman: I'm also reminded a bit of a basilica in Guelph, in southern Ontario.
It's a beauty on the inside.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! Here in Montreal we have the Notre Dame Cathedral in Old Montreal, but I prefer St. Joseph's Oratory, as I find there is more to see. Love the stained glass windows! :)
ReplyDeletei really enjoy this series, William, what beauty!! those spires & the stain glasses windows ... just amazing! ( :
ReplyDeleteBellisimo!
ReplyDeleteJust the name conjures up beauty. Love the interior and everything else too.
ReplyDeleteMB
The acoustics inside there must be great.
ReplyDeleteI really like the first image. The lines are straight and there is a lot of interest in the image. A story in itself.
ReplyDeletei like the outside better. the inside is too ornate and dark for me. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic interior, although I normally go for something simple and light this however is very impressive....
ReplyDelete@Bibi: I certainly do think so!
ReplyDelete@Sharon: it definitely is.
@Linda: St. Joseph's Oratory is something that has to be seen to be believed... I've recommended it to people I've spoken with going to Montreal.
@Beth: thank you!
@Norma: quite appropriate!
@MB: thank you!
@Marleen: I would think so.
@Mo: it really is. The craftsmen who built it did well.
@Tex: I can see that. I think of the interior as over the top.
@Geoff: it's quite a marvel to step inside.
It is gorgeous! I like the inside. Reminds me of some of the cathedrals I've seen in Europe. Thanks for showing this series. I have enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteA truly magnificent building.
ReplyDeleteWow. And what a nice one to end it on. Those windows.
ReplyDeleteOh my! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is full of everything ornate and pomp. It's elegant and impressive but I prefer the light and clean lines of some of the other churches you've shown lately.
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing and majestic church. Here, a person familiar with the himself very small.
ReplyDelete@Lois: you're welcome.
ReplyDelete@Mari: it is.
@Whisk: I'll certainly photograph here again. I completely forgot to photograph the west windows. It was suggested to try coming in mid-afternoon when the sunlight's coming through it.
@Linda: it is!
@Kay: I like thinking of this one as over the top, but in a good way.
@Orvokki: having people in the shot really reinforces the size.
It is a beautiful church. Somehow, Catholic churches seem to be more ornate than Protestant churches.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular interior!
ReplyDeleteAn amazingly beautiful building. The interior is exquisite. Love those columns gathered together inthe second photo.
ReplyDelete@Jack: thanks!
ReplyDelete@Jose: very splendid. I must return.
@Gemma: exquisite is an understatement.