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Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

4.7
·3k reviews·Montréal, Canada

A breathtaking 19th-century cathedral, a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica, offering stunning architecture and art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere for reflection

CrowdLow
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                  Cathedral of Marie-Reine-du-Monde and "The Pencil"

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere for reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking 19th-century cathedral, a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica, offering stunning architecture and art.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Definitely one of the best, if not the best, grandest, and beautiful churches in Montreal."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Be Respectful

Dress modestly and be mindful of worshippers. This is a holy place, not just a tourist spot.

💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Entrance is free! Consider a donation to support upkeep.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Peter's Basilica Replica

St. Peter's Basilica Replica

Interior

Marvel at the scaled-down replica of Rome's St. Peter's Basilica, a breathtaking architectural feat.

Magnificent Interior Art

Magnificent Interior Art

Interior

Be awestruck by the beautiful religious interior design and historical paintings adorning the walls.

Impressive Organ

Impressive Organ

Main Hall

Experience the grandeur of the cathedral's organ, a truly cool and inspiring feature.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visits

Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and be mindful of those praying. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain this stunning landmark. Reddit

Best Viewing Times

While open daily, visiting during weekdays outside of mass times offers a more serene experience. Check mass schedules beforehand to avoid disruption and fully appreciate the architecture. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral - Montreal, Canada; a replica of St. Peter's Bascilica 1/12 the size in cubic metres

🤫 Be Respectful

Dress modestly and be mindful of worshippers. This is a holy place, not just a tourist spot. Reddit

💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Entrance is free! Consider a donation to support upkeep. Reddit

reddit.com

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, Montreal

reddit.com

Trip to Montreal and Ottawa

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the stunning architecture, but be discreet during services. Reddit

🗣️ Language Info

Most masses and confessions are in French, but staff are helpful. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Be Respectful

Dress modestly and be mindful of worshippers. This is a holy place, not just a tourist spot. Reddit

💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Entrance is free! Consider a donation to support upkeep. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the stunning architecture, but be discreet during services. Reddit

🗣️ Language Info

Most masses and confessions are in French, but staff are helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mary Queen of the World Cathedral for its stunning architecture and magnificent interior, often comparing it favorably to other churches in Montreal. Many appreciate the free entry and the opportunity to witness a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica. However, some note that most masses and confessions are conducted in French, which might be a consideration for non-French speakers.

"Beautiful church, one of my favourite churches in Montreal. The architecture is just beautiful, and I also love to come to celebrate the Holy Mass here. I believe most of the masses are held in French. Confession is mostly in French too. I love the priests from this church too. The gift shop is also nice.

PLEASE, If you’re not Catholic and visiting , respect this holy place. Do not enter wearing immodest clothes… you wouldn’t complain in a temple of a different religion would request you the same."

Nena “NENA”

"Entrance is free!! Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic temple in the heart of downtown montreal. It's a scaled down replica of the St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. Visit the interior and be treated with a beautiful display of religious interior design and historical paintings. Now I'm no religious person but I often find myself visiting this temple.
Alaric recommends 👐🙏"

Alaric Boyle-Poirier

"We visited on Wednesday during the day and the security person was very friendly and welcoming when we arrived. There is no fee to enter and easy to walk around and enjoy the features of the lovely church."

John Thompson

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Magnificent interior
Free entry

What People Dislike

Masses in French

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is conveniently located in downtown Montreal. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If you're coming from Old Montreal, it's a pleasant walk or a short metro ride. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking for the cathedral, there are several public parking garages and street parking options in the downtown area. Be prepared for city parking rates. Reddit

The cathedral is generally accessible for wheelchairs, allowing visitors to explore the main areas. Staff are usually on hand to assist if needed. Reddit

From Trudeau Airport (YUL), you can take the 747 bus directly to downtown Montreal, which stops within walking distance of the cathedral. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Reddit

Yes, it's a scenic walk of about 20-30 minutes from Old Montreal to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. It's a great way to see more of the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no fee to enter Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. It is a free-access site for visitors. Reddit

The cathedral is typically open daily, but hours can vary, especially around holidays or special events. It's best to check their official schedule or call ahead. Reddit

Yes, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral holds regular masses. Most masses are celebrated in French, but it's a central place of worship for the Catholic community. Reddit

Yes, as it's an active place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly. Avoid immodest clothing to show respect for the holy site. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, staff members are often available to provide information. Inquire at the entrance about any available insights or tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Completed in 1894, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is the third-largest cathedral in Quebec. It was designed as a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, showcasing impressive 19th-century architecture. Reddit

The cathedral is built in the form of a cross and features a magnificent interior with beautiful artwork, historical paintings, and an impressive organ. Its design mirrors that of St. Peter's Basilica. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Avoid flash photography that might disturb worshippers. Reddit

It is a significant religious landmark in Montreal and a testament to impressive architectural design. It serves as an active place of worship and a cultural site. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the stunning interior, the detailed artwork, and the grand organ as must-see elements. The overall scale and resemblance to St. Peter's Basilica are also major draws. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no dining facilities within the cathedral itself. However, being in downtown Montreal, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries just a short walk away. Reddit

The area surrounding Mary Queen of the World Cathedral offers a wide variety of culinary choices, from quick bites and casual cafes to fine dining establishments, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Reddit

It is generally not recommended to bring food or drinks inside religious sites like Mary Queen of the World Cathedral to maintain the sanctity of the space. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture, especially the dome and facade, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, focus on capturing the grandeur of the nave, the altar, and the intricate artwork. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside, but always be mindful and respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and refrain from intrusive photography. Reddit

Late afternoon can offer beautiful natural light filtering through the windows, creating a serene ambiance. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer crowds. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around religious sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones near the cathedral. Reddit

The detailed ceiling frescoes, the stained-glass windows, the imposing altar, and the overall symmetry of the interior are highly photogenic. The exterior dome is also a key feature. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral offers a unique opportunity for families to introduce children to impressive architecture and religious history. While the cathedral is a place of worship, its grandeur can captivate young minds. Encourage children to observe the beautiful artwork and the impressive scale of the building, comparing it to other large structures they might have seen. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet voices and respectful behavior within the cathedral walls. Reddit

To make the visit smoother, consider visiting during weekday mornings when crowds are typically lower, allowing children more space to move without feeling overwhelmed. Explain beforehand that it's a holy place where people come to pray, setting expectations for their behavior. The free entry makes it an accessible outing for families looking for a culturally enriching experience in Montreal. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a spiritual experience, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral offers a serene and inspiring environment. As an active place of worship, attending a Holy Mass can be a profound experience, though most are held in French. The cathedral's design, mirroring St. Peter's Basilica, imbues the space with a sense of sacredness and historical depth. Reddit

Visitors can find solace in the quiet contemplation offered by the magnificent interior, the detailed religious art, and the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity for confession is also available, primarily in French, providing a chance for spiritual reflection and guidance. The welcoming nature of the staff and priests contributes to a comforting and spiritually enriching visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: A Replica's Grandeur

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is a remarkable feat of 19th-century architecture, famously designed as a scaled-down replica of the iconic St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This ambitious project, completed in 1894, aimed to bring a piece of Vatican grandeur to Montreal. The impressive scale and meticulous attention to detail in its construction make it a significant landmark. Its design in the form of a cross is a classic element of cathedral architecture, guiding visitors through its sacred spaces. Reddit

The interior is equally breathtaking, featuring beautiful religious interior design and historical paintings that tell stories of faith. Visitors often remark on the awe-inspiring atmosphere created by the combination of art, light, and space. The presence of a grand organ further enhances the sensory experience, adding a layer of auditory magnificence to the visual splendor. Reddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the cathedral holds historical significance as the third-largest cathedral in Quebec. It stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic aspirations of its time, offering a unique glimpse into religious and cultural heritage. Its enduring beauty continues to draw visitors, whether they are seeking spiritual solace or simply admiring its architectural prowess. Reddit

Visiting Etiquette: Respecting a Sacred Space

As an active place of worship, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral requires visitors to observe certain etiquette to ensure a respectful experience for everyone. The most crucial aspect is modest dress. Visitors are kindly asked to avoid immodest clothing, a request common in many religious sites worldwide. This ensures that the sanctity of the cathedral is maintained and that worshippers are not disturbed. Reddit

When exploring the interior, it's important to be mindful of those who are present for prayer or contemplation. Acting purely as a tourist without consideration for the spiritual purpose of the space can be unintentionally disruptive. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their behavior, moving quietly and refraining from loud conversations. This consideration fosters a peaceful environment for both prayer and respectful sightseeing. Reddit

While entrance to the cathedral is free, it is a place that relies on support for its upkeep. Visitors are welcome to make donations, which help in preserving this magnificent structure and its contents for future generations. Understanding and adhering to these simple guidelines ensures that everyone can appreciate the beauty and spiritual significance of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. Reddit

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