The Montreal basilica that defies the city's height restrictions

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rising 30 metres above Mount Royal's summit, Saint Joseph's Oratory is the highest building in Montreal. It is the only structure permitted to violate the municipal building code, which prevents skyscrapers from surpassing the mountain's height. This monumental shrine is a striking blend of Renaissance Revival and Art Deco styles.

The Oratory's construction was a massive undertaking spanning six decades, driven by the fame of Brother André, a religious brother known as a miracle healer. What began in 1904 as a small, 4.5 by 5.5 metre Gothic Revival chapel expanded four times over the next decade as Brother André's reputation grew. Eventually, the Congregation of Holy Cross fulfilled his request to build a massive basilica in honor of his patron saint, Saint Joseph. The original chapel still exists today, though it was moved a short distance to accommodate the growing basilica. This site is now a National Historic Site of Canada.

The building's unique silhouette is the result of shifting architectural visions. Originally, architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne planned a dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, but the Great Depression halted progress. After their deaths, Dom Paul Bellot redesigned the structure, opting for a much larger dome modeled after the Florence Cathedral. This final design, completed in 1941, contributed to the Oratory becoming one of the largest churches in Canada. The current dome is significantly larger than the architects' initial plans due to these later modifications. This massive structure remains one of the largest church domes globally.

The interior is a study in stylistic contrast. While the exterior features a Renaissance Revival facade, the interior—specifically the Shrine and the Votive Chapel—is designed in the Art Deco style. The Votive Chapel is particularly notable for holding nearly 1,000 ex-votos, such as canes and crutches, left behind by pilgrims. Annually, over 2 million pilgrims and tourists visit this landmark. The basilica also features a crypt church located beneath the main structure. This lower level contains a statue of Joseph carved from Carrara marble.

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