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An important square in Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal) is Place d’Armes. It’s the second oldest public square in the city. In the center is a monument to Paul de Chomedey, the founder of the city in 1642.
Notre-Dame
The most prominent building on the square is the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal), one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Completed in 1829, it replaced an older church built on the same site in 1672. Admission for a self-guided tour is CAD$16 for adults, CAD$15 for seniors over 65, CAD$14 for students age 17-22, CAD$10 for kids age 6-16, and free for kids under 6 (as of September 2024). Admission for AURA, a light and sound experience, is CAD$45 for adults, CAD$41.50 for seniors over 65, CAD$34 for students age 17-22, CAD$26.50 for kids age 6-16, and free for kids under 6 (as of September 2024).
Worth visiting in the church is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur), a gorgeous chapel.
Saint-Sulpice Seminary
Next door to the basilica is the Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary (Vieux Séminaire de Saint-Sulpice), a seminary that is also the second oldest structure in Montréal. It was built in 1687. The clock, installed in 1701, and the 17th century gardens are some of the oldest in North America.
Other Buildings
Other significant buildings surrounding Place d’Armes are the headquarters of the Bank of Montréal (Banque de Montréal / BMO) (1847), the New York Life Building (1887), and the Aldred Building (1931). The Bank of Montréal includes a museum that features exhibits on the history of the bank. Admission is free and it’s open during regular bank hours.
