Take a tour to discover the oldest district in Montreal. It features numerous unique houses dating back over 300 years, museums, art galleries and a great choice of fine restaurants and cafés. Here you'll also find two of the most popular churches in Montreal - the Basilique de Notre Dame and the Chapelle de Notre Dame de Bon-Secours. Enjoy exploring the highlights of Old Montreal.
1) Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
Start the tour by visiting the oldest church of Montreal - Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, also called "The Sailor's Church". One of the decorative elements of this old sanctuary is the magnificent statue "Our Lady of Good Hope", donated by France. On the church's grounds there is also the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and presenting historical facts about Montreal and this church particularly.
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2) City Hall
The City Hall is a magnificent architectural structure, designed by renowned architect Henri-Maurice Perreault in 1873. The marble Hall of Honor has a great collection of portraits of all Montreal's mayors.
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3) Château Ramezay Museum
Chateau Ramezay museum was built in 1705. It is situated in Notre Dame Street, old Montreal. The museum first served as a residence of the then Montreal governor Claude de Ramezay and was recently designated as national historic site of Canada. At this museum, you will find an extensive collection of 30,000 objects including numismatic items, paintings, art works and manuscripts. If you are passionate about the history of this city, you must visit this informative and interesting museum on your trip to Old Montreal.
You can find multimedia representations of historical figures in six languages in Chateau Ramezay museum. Enjoy walking through the replica of a French colonial garden. The permanent exhibitions in this museum allow you to discover the history of Amerindians. The skilful display of unique artifacts offers an insight into the daily life of people during that period.
Life in Montreal in the 18th century is another permanent exhibition in Chateau Ramezay museum. Here you can find thick walled structures that date back to 250 years and beyond. This exhibition tells you all about the daily life of Montrealers in the 18th century.
Chateau Ramezay museum thus takes you through 500 years of history. Do not forget to visit the Governor’s garden inside the museum. Replete with 18th century touches, this garden is a visual treat.
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4) Place D'Armes
Place D’Armes square is one of the oldest public sites in Montreal. This square was developed in 1693 and played a major role as a stage for various military events in the past. Located between Notre Dame and Saint Jacque Streets, Place D’Armes square is an outstanding historical vista.
The square boasts of Paul de Chomedey monument designed by Louis Philippe Hebert. Buildings that represent different eras surround this square. Montreal’s first skyscraper - the New York Life building - is located along the square.
An exquisite art deco was added to the square in 1929. The Aldred building is another impressive skyscraper situated nearby. This architecturally impressive building is designed in such a manner that the street below gets maximum natural lighting.
The National Bank of Canada Tower, built in 1967, is also a part of Place D’Armes square. This building was constructed in a post war architectural style, and is the only example of this style in the city.
Notre Dame Basilica is the centremost local attraction. It was built in 19th century and is an excellent example of neo-Gothic movement. The decorative elements of this basilica are impressive. The interiors are carved from rare woods and are painted or gilded. The large rose windows allow muted light inside enhancing the ambiance.
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5) Basilica of Notre-Dame
Basilica of Notre-Dame is a neo-Gothic catholic church and remarkable landmark that dates from 1656. It owns an imposing organ that is listed among the largest pipe organs in the world.
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6) World Trade Center Montreal
The World Trade Center in Montreal was established 1992 to encourage international trade. The architectural features of the complex are astounding. Visitors especially appreciate learning about its component historic elements - the Nordheimer Building (1888), a fragment of the Berlin Wall. and a fountain by 18th century French architect and sculptor Dieudonné-Barthélemy Guibal.
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7) Centre d'Histoire de Montreal
Centre d'Histoire de Montreal displays the history of this great city from the year 1642 until the present day through captivating exhibitions and presentations. The museum is divided into eight exhibition halls, each of them expounding on a different era of Montreal.
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8) Museum of Archaeology & History (Pointe-à-Callière)
Pointe-à-Callière is a fascinating museum that presents archaeological treasures of Montreal and features some of the most interesting media presentations, artifacts and curious ruins. The museum is located on the same spot where the first colony started back in 1642.
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9) Montreal Science Center
Montreal Science Center is an interactive place for adults and children to learn in a fun way about the relation between humans and science. There are various permanent exhibitions, technology presentations, interactive films and games. The museum also features an IMAX theater.
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