The Basilica’s vast size, executed in the Gothic Revival style, the extraordinary
craftsmanship and artistic polish of its fittings, its many fine works of religious
art, and the interior of its chapel inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, are
heritage features whose preservation and enhancement demand the greatest possible
attention and care.
Archaeological treasures
Visitors interested in the arts of the past will be amazed with the church’s impressive
crypt, where they can study its origins. The present-day Basilica, which was inaugurated
in 1829, was built on a plan set back slightly from the placement of the original
church, which stood on the plot of ground covered today by Notre-Dame Street. As
a result, many archaeological treasures of major ethnographic value still exist
in the area around the Basilica and underneath its front square.
A team of specialists
Our staff of heritage specialists has the job of caring for these important historic
treasures. During periods of major restoration work, however, the Notre-Dame team
also relies on the expertise of distinguished outside professionals.
A legacy to preserve and cherish
In order to share the knowledge we have gained and continue to acquire about our
heritage, various means of communications have been set up. Examples are our guided
tours and the publication Mémoire et histoire (“Memory and History”),
a boxed set of monographs (available in May 2008).
Make a donation
The Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal is supported by an internal volunteer
organization whose members oversee the preservation and enhancement of the Basilica’s
major architectural, artistic, historical and religious legacy. All donations are
welcome. You can send your donation by mail to : Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame
de Montréal
424, rue Saint-Sulpice
Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2V5
Or make your donation in person the next time you visit the Basilica. Official tax
receipts are issued for all donations received.
Contact us
For additional information on donations, please feel free to contact Francine McDuff
by phone at 514-735-1361 or email don@cimetierenddn.org.
Donations can be made by cheque or credit card, or in cash. Please do not send cash
by mail. Thank you for your contribution !
“We are the guardians of the past and active participants in the present for
the sake of future generations.”