The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a marvel of Gothic Revival architecture. If you’re a sucker for historic destinations, you’ll want to pay this national treasure in Canada’s capital a visit.
According to Parks Canada, the Notre-Dame Roman Catholic Basilica National Historic Site of Canada is described as “a large Gothic Revival cathedral, built of ashlar limestone, whose twin towers mark the entrance to Lowertown, one of Ottawa’s earliest neighbourhoods.”
It’s located on Sussex Drive, between St. Patrick Street and Guigues Avenue, across from the National Gallery of Canada, in Ottawa.
It dates back to the 1800s and has quite a story.
History of Notre-Dame Roman Catholic Basilica in Ottawa
Per the church, in 1839, plans to construct a stone church to replace its old wooden one began. Construction kicked off two years later, and it is now considered the oldest standing church in the city of Ottawa.
According to the Basilica, this masterpiece was created entirely by a team of dedicated architects and talented sculptors. As for its interior design, the church states that “they were often the same men who worked on the ornamentation of the Parliament Buildings.” So clearly they were the right people for the job.
The magic still remains to this day when you step inside. You will be captivated by the towering Gothic arches running all along the interior. But the most extraordinary feature of all is the collection of stained glass windows.
The first series of these windows was installed way back in 1879. “These windows consist of geometrical motifs painted in grisaille and embellished by light touches of vivid colours,” the Basilica says.
One of the most impressive stained glass displays is the large window just above the main entrance.
The cathedral is also home to a number of fascinating artifacts, most of which come from Europe and are of Italian origin.
These artifacts include a gold chasuble and several golden chalices decorated with medallions and precious stones.
Now, as for its overall completion, it took about five years, after two changes of plans, for the walls and roof to be finished. “The church, still without steeples, is blessed on Aug. 15, 1846, by Bishop Patrick Phelan, of Kingston. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, under the title of the Assumption,” shares the church.
More work was still to be done, such as the addition of the steeples, a chancel and sanctuary, a statue of the Virgin Mary and window replacements, which carried into the 20th century.
It wasn’t until 1999 that the Cathedral closed for an entire year for a major and historic restoration.
“Well over a hundred people, labourers, engineers, conservators and architects worked tirelessly to restore the building to its present splendour. The steeples were replaced and made of stainless steel.”
If you’re a lover of history and exquisite architecture, you have to pay this incredible spot a visit. The Cathedral is open every day for private prayer and visitation.
And while you’re in Canada’s capital, make the most of it and explore all it has to offer.
When: Daily from 9 a.m to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m.
Where: 385 Sussex Dr., Ottawa
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Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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