In The Cathedral Basilica

Early in the month I was in the area and decided to stop in at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, which is one of the city's most prominent landmarks, and certainly its preeminent church. It lies across from the National Gallery of Canada. It's been awhile since I was last inside, probably before Covid, but I regularly feature it here, even at a distance. This view includes The Three Watchmen, a bronze sculpture by James Hart of the Haida people.

On the grounds of the National Gallery, I like the contrast between the church and this oversized sculpture. Louise Bourgeois was known for her spiders, at various museums around the world. This is her Maman, one of several around the world.

Notre Dame certainly impresses from outside.

But definitely within. There was a church on this site as early as 1832, but this one was its replacement within a few years, built and added onto during the 19th century, and last undergone restoration work around the turn of the century. It is a national historic site of Canada, and it is breathtaking.

The stained glass depicts scenes from the life of Christ.

A side altar near the main altar is seen here.

And a first close glimpse at the main altar, which is ringed by statues of figures of the Old and New Testaments.