Ottawa's main Roman Catholic cathedral stands right in the city centre, across from the National Gallery in Major's Hill Park.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa, although it cannot compare in size to cathedrals in European cities, for example. The church was built between 1841 and 1865.

Despite this, don't skip a visit. We were absolutely enchanted by the interior of the church!

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Stark exterior, beautiful interior

From the outside, the basilica gives off a rather subtle impression and the facade is not very ornate. The exterior has neo-Gothic and classical features, and the most interesting feature is the metallic silver roof of the two towers.

Notre Dame Basilica

However, take a look inside.

The interior of the church is richly decorated. The walls and columns are decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures, the ceiling is painted to resemble the night sky and the windows are adorned with stunning stained glass windows.