Basilique-cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde de Montréal (Cathedral Mary Queen of the World)

The Cathedral Mary Queen of the World (Basilique-cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde de Montréal) in Montreal is remodelled after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Bishop Bourget of Montreal initiated the construction of the cathedral in 1857. The new cathedral should replace the former Saint-Jacques Cathedral, which had burned down in 1852. The bishop wished a scale model of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Work for the new cathedral started in 1870 but had to be haltered between 1878 and 1885 due to financial constraints. It was consecrated in March 1894. At this time, it was the largest church in Quebec. It is built in Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque style. Consecrated as Saint Jacques (Saint James) Cathedral, it was rededicated in 1955 to Mary Queen of the World, by Pope Pius XII. Covering the altar is a neo-baroque ciborium with twisting columns. It was created in Rome in 1900 and is a reproduction of the one in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The organ above the entrance was built by the famous Canadian organ building company Casavant Frères (Casavant Brothers) from the nearby city of Saint-Hyacinthe. The organ It was completely rebuilt in 1951 and 20 20 and a manual were added. The organ was again restored and modernized in 1995 and 1996 and has not 96 stops, four manuals and one pedal board. The cathedral is located in downtown Montreal, just steps from the central station and worth a visit. Since 2000 the cathedral is designated National Historic Site of Canada. XA1XCCHVC6YMSIKV