Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, a replica of St Peter's

The Montreal audio-guided tour leads you, beyond Place du Canada, before the impressive Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, approached with quiet respect. Its familiar look is no coincidence: it is a replica of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, but on a reduced scale.

A replica born after the great fire

The cathedral was built in the second half of the nineteenth century to replace the first St James Cathedral of Montreal, destroyed in the great fire of 1852. The second bishop of Montreal, Bishop Bourget, fascinated by Rome which he had visited, wished to give his city a replica of St Peter's Basilica. It is today one of the largest churches in Quebec.

What there is to see

The façade, topped with statues, and the dome faithfully recall the Roman original, on a smaller scale. Inside, with respect for silence, you admire the baldachin inspired by that of St Peter's and the rich decor. A haven of spirituality and contemplation, the basilica-cathedral is one of the great Catholic places of worship in Montreal.

Practical information

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is in downtown Montreal, near Place du Canada and the Sun Life Building. An active Catholic place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; opening times may vary with celebrations. Access is on the level.

Which building is the cathedral a replica of?

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is a replica of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, on a reduced scale. It was wanted by Bishop Bourget, the second bishop of Montreal.

Why was the cathedral built?

It was built to replace the first St James Cathedral of Montreal, destroyed in the great fire of 1852, on the model of the Roman basilica.