St Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

St Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine, holds the title of Canada's largest church while also remaining one of the world's most visited centers of pilgrimage. It was even designated a National Historic Site of Canada on its 100th anniversary. Built in 1904, the oratory is dedicated to Joseph, patron saint of workers and protector of the Catholic Church, and contains a crypt church, a small chapel, world-famous organs and carillons, as well as beautiful gardens. It is, however, mostly famous for its large 97-meter-high dome, surpassed only by Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The oratory is also home to a museum, whose permanent collection consists of an acclaimed multicultural collection of 200 nativity scenes. Temporary exhibits are normally dedicated to the religious heritage of Québec and other parts of the world. The oratory also hosts many concerts, especially around Christmastime.

Practical Info

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is located on the northwestern slope of Mount Royal in Montreal on Chemin Queen Mary. It can be accessed by metro (stop Côte-des-Neiges on the blue line), by bus (lines 51, 166, 165), or by car, as there is on-site parking available for $5 per vehicle. It is open every day from 6 am to 9:30 pm. Entry to the oratory costs $3 per person, with guided visits being an extra $5 per person. Entry to the museum costs $5 per adult, $4 per senior, and $2 per child. The museum is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 4:30 pm from October to June, and from 10 am to 4:30 pm between Mondays and Fridays and from 10 am to 5:30 pm on the weekends from June to September.