Notre Dame Basilica
Dazzling Gothic Reivival
When completed in 1929 Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica was the largest religious building in North America and so spectacular that it moved its Protestant Irish-American architect James O'Donnell to convert to Catholicism as a result.
Outside, the twin-towered edifice is pretty austere – so don't judge until you've seen the riot of art and colour within.
Intricate wood carvings and sumptuous stained glass windows await at every turn.
If you can, try to catch the Basilica during a special event: the choir and organ concerts really help bring the place alive.
Text © Christian Williams
Images by Pedro Szekely, Tony Brooks