Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic place of worship in Lower Town featuring twin limestone spires, pointed-arch windows, and a curved apse designed in French Gothic Revival style at 385 Sussex Drive. The building stands out for its vertical lines and carefully detailed stonework that draw the eye upward.

Work started in 1842 following the relocation of St. Jacques Church, and the building was completed in 1846, becoming the cathedral of Bytown the following year. This shift strengthened the Catholic community's presence in the growing settlement.

Local artisans left their mark on this place: sculptor Philippe Hébert created interior works, while Georges Buillon designed the stained glass windows that fill the space with colored light. The organ built by Casavant Frères continues to shape how people experience the building today.

Plan your visit around varying daily hours: the building closes earlier on weekdays than on weekends. Morning or early afternoon visits typically offer a quieter experience where you can appreciate the details without distraction.

A gilded Madonna statue crowns the roofline and remains visible from Parliament Hill, a detail many visitors overlook. This figure marks it as the largest church building in the city and serves as a quiet symbol of its religious importance.