Top historical sites in Montreal

Peter Triassi of Montreal is definitely proud of the city’s rich heritage and historical sites. Especially as they validate Canada’s place in world history. Here are three historical sites people can visit in Montreal.

Musée du Château Ramezay

The Château Ramezay was built in 1705 as residence of Claude de Ramezay, then-governor of Montreal. Peter Triassi of Montreal says, that on this site Benjamin Franklin once persuaded Montreal to become the 14th state of the United States. The Château Ramezay has been converted into a historical museum in 1894 when it was bought by the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. Presently, a permanent exhibition takes museum visitors on a journey from prehistoric to modern times, in the early 1900s. Performances at the garden level (the basement) reenact the way of life in the 1700s. An 18th century style garden even shows historical plants as they existed back then. In 1949, the Château Ramezay was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

Basilique Notre-Dame

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal was built in 1829, and was designed by Irish-American architect James O’Donnell in the manner and style of the Gothic revival. He converted to Roman Catholicism upon his death in 1830, and was buried in the crypt. An English architect John Ostell carried on with the completion of the church using O’Donnell’s original plans. Peter Triassi of Montreal assures visitors that they will marvel at the intricate woodwork and religious statues inside the basilica, as though experiencing flight among the deep-blue vaulting. Other notable features include the bell towers: the east tower (La Temperance) and the west tower (La Perseverance). Biblical scenes and the 350 years of the parish are depicted among the sculptures, paintings, and stained-glass windows. A sound and light show presents the founding of the city and its basilica every evenings. Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica was designated National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.

Cathedrale Christ Church

Another neo-Gothic church - but this time for Montreal’s Anglican Church - built between 1857 and 1859, and designed by British-born architect Frank Mills (1822-1856) who also designed a similar church at Fredericton, New Brunswick. A Montreal architect Thomas Seaton Scott carried out the design of Frank Mills during construction. Peter Triassi of Montreal says that the church adds a touch of history to a more modern addition, the Promenades Cathedrale, built in the late 1980s. Christ Church Cathedral was designated in 1999 a National Historic Site of Canada.