Christ Church Cathedral was first constructed in 1859, but due to the soft site on which it was built, it quickly began to sink into the ground. By the 1920s, the cathedral had sunk so much that it had become visibly obvious to onlookers. The situation was getting urgent, so forward-thinking architects formulated an ingenious idea. An underground shopping centre was built to help support the sinking building. The undertaking was a success, helping to stabilise the cathedral, and to this day, the Promenades Cathédrale directly underneath the church is a popular place for a spot of shopping.
The inside of the cathedral is as elegant as its exterior. A stunning copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” draws many crowds, as it has been a part of the cathedral’s interior since it was first constructed. Another one of the biggest draws of Christ Church Cathedral is its magnificent choral programmes, which can be enjoyed on afternoons and Sundays.
Outside, the famous neo-Gothic cathedral is surrounded by the hustle of the busy streets of central Montreal, with towering skyscrapers making up the majority of the skyline. Walking up to the cathedral, you are met with bright red doors inside a set of three pointed arches. Directly behind the tall, pointed black church tower is a contrasting glass skyscraper glistening in the sun.
After visiting the cathedral, make your way around the many great shops and restaurants on Saint Catherine Street, or head below the cathedral for an even more unique shopping experience. The shopping centre is part of the Underground City, which extends well beyond the cathedral.
Christ Church Cathedral is open every day and is free to enter. On arrival, you can pick up a free leaflet in either English or French that will guide you through the history of the cathedral. To get there, take the metro or bus to Central Station, from which you can walk the rest of the way.
