Is Notre Dame Montreal a Replica of Paris?

By Anna Duncan

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a famous tourist destination located in the heart of the city. It is a Roman Catholic Church that has been attracting visitors from all over the world for many years.

Many people have often wondered if it is a replica of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. In this article, we are going to explore this question and find out if there is any truth to it.

History of Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal was constructed in 1824 by James O’Donnell, an Irish-American architect. The church was built in Gothic Revival style, which was very popular at that time. The construction of the church took almost ten years to complete and was inaugurated in 1830.

Design Elements

The design elements used in Notre-Dame Basilica are very similar to those used in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The most striking similarity between the two buildings is their façade.

Both buildings have two towers at the front with rose windows above them. The towers are also decorated with various sculptures and reliefs.

However, there are some differences between the two buildings as well. For example, the towers of Notre-Dame Basilica are taller than those of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and they have different shapes as well.

Interior

The interior of Notre-Dame Basilica is also very different from that of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The ceiling of Notre-Dame Basilica is blue with golden stars, while that of Notre-Dame Cathedral is plain white. Moreover, while both churches have stained glass windows, those at Notre-Dame Basilica are more colorful and vibrant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are some similarities between Notre-Dame Basilica and Notre-Dame Cathedral, it would be inaccurate to say that the former is a replica of the latter. While both churches were built in Gothic Revival style, they have their unique features and design elements that set them apart from each other.

If you ever get a chance to visit Montreal, make sure to visit Notre-Dame Basilica and witness its grandeur and beauty for yourself.