Saint Joseph's Oratory

Perched majestically atop central Mount Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory gazes serenely across the beautiful city of Montreal. This architectural masterpiece is the largest church in Canada and has attracted thousands of visitors since it was founded by the healing priest Brother André Bessette in 1904. Not only is the monumental basilica steeped in history, its central location makes it one of the most easily accessible of all of Montreal’s cultural attractions.

The stroll up to the oratory is a pleasant one with lush greenery and pretty flowerbeds flanking the main avenue. As you draw nearer to the imposing stone steps, take a moment to breathe in the magnificence of the building’s Renaissance architecture and impressive copper dome. One of the largest of its kind in the world, this dome has acted as a spiritual beacon for generations of worshippers down through the years.

With a 3,000-seat capacity, the vast interior is equally impressive and lends itself beautifully to quiet contemplation and reflection. Intricately designed mosaics, bronze grillwork and iridescent stained-glass windows abound. The nave is flanked by a series of angular arches that feed into a quartzite-tiled floor. The Art Deco style votive chapel is a kaleidoscope of colourful candlelight that illuminates Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Canada.

Later canonised as a saint himself, Brother André was believed by many to have had extraordinary healing powers. This part of the church links the interior of the crypt to the upper floors and here, suspended between the pillars, you will see an array of crutches said to have been left behind by those he cured.

Finally, before you leave, make your way up to the terrace and drink in the spectacular views that stretch as far as the shimmering Rivière des Prairies before popping into the oratory museum to admire a wealth of cultural treasures, including the heart of Saint André himself.