Basilica of St. Joseph of Mount Royal, Montréal, Canada Verified listing

Basilica of St. Joseph of Mount Royal, Montréal, Canada

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is located at 3800 Queen Mary Road in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. It is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and a national shrine. The Oratory holds great significance. Saint André Bessette founded it in 1904 to honor Saint Joseph. Over six decades, many architects and thousands of workers contributed to its construction. Because of its large size, Renaissance Revival façade, and Art Deco interior, it is well known in Montreal and worldwide. Each year, over 2 million visitors and pilgrims come to its steps.

The Oratory is the tallest building in Montreal. It rises more than 30 meters above Mount Royal’s Westmount Summit. Therefore, it dominates the skyline and can be seen from many kilometers away. This makes it unique because it breaks Montreal’s building code. The code limits building heights to no higher than Mount Royal’s summit. As a result, the Oratory stands alone in this aspect. It symbolizes architectural grandeur and cultural importance.

Since 2018, renovations have been underway on the dome and lantern at the top of the Oratory. Architecture firms Atelier TAG and Architecture49 expect to finish the work by 2024. The renovation project costs C$80 million. It will create safe access to the lantern. This access will allow visitors to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view over Mount Royal and Montreal. These improvements will increase the Oratory’s attraction and spiritual atmosphere.

In conclusion, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a religious, cultural, and architectural landmark. It represents devotion and artistry. Moreover, it enriches locals and pilgrims with its history, beauty, and preservation efforts.

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