Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde

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Lonely Planet review

The Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World is a smaller but still magnificent version of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The architects scaled it down to one-quarter size, mindful of the structural risks of Montréal's severe winters. This landmark was built in 1870-94 as a symbol of Catholic power in the heart of Protestant Montréal.

The 13 sculptures of saints over the entrance are sculpted in wood and covered with copper; at nighttime they're brilliantly illuminated. The neobaroque altar canopy, a replica of Bernini's masterpiece in St Peter's, is fashioned of gold leaf and copper with swirled roof supports. The overall impression, including the decoration of the vaults and their support, arguably rivals that of the famous Basilique Notre-Dame.