Last updated on December 20, 2023.

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.

Place d’Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Place d’Armes
Paul de Chomedey monument at Place d'Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Paul de Chomedey monument

 

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. Adult admission for a self-guided tour is CAD$14 (as of September 2023). AURA, a light and sound experience, charges an adult admission of CAD$34 (as of September 2023).

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal at Place d'Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal

Worth visiting in the church is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur), a gorgeous chapel.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Altar
Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

 

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.

Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary at Place d'Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary

 

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.

Bank of Montréal at Place d'Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
Bank of Montréal
New York Life Insurance Building (left) and the Aldred Building (right) at Place d'Armes in Vieux-Montréal, Québec, Canada
New York Life Insurance Building (left) and the Aldred Building (right)
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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