Saint Joseph's Oratory, Minor basilica in Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, Canada.
Saint Joseph's Oratory is a place of worship in Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, Canada, built from grey granite and topped with a copper-clad dome. The interior holds up to 2,000 people and includes a crypt, a museum, and gardens arranged along the hillside.
Construction began in 1924 under the initiative of Brother André, who had earlier built a small wooden chapel on the site. The final completion with the large dome came only in 1967, more than four decades after the first work started.
The site takes its name from Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, and today serves as a pilgrimage destination with a room displaying crutches left behind by visitors. Inside the crypt rests Brother André's heart, preserved in a small reliquary that visitors can view.
Access is provided by stairs and an elevator running from the lower parking area up to the church level. Visitors who prefer walking can use the long outdoor staircase that climbs through the gardens.
The church dome sits roughly 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest in North America. The entire structure spans several levels, so visitors climbing up can enjoy different views over Montreal.
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