Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal: A Church with Stunning Light Shows! One of the Must-Visit Gothic-Style Architectural Buildings
The Notre-Dame Basilica is a rather old church, dating back to 1672, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This Roman Catholic church is designed in the Gothic Revival style, which is evident in both its exterior and interior. The abundance of decorations seen on every side and corner of the building is a testament to this architectural style.
Gothic Revival, also known as neo-Gothic or Victorian Gothic, is a design style that began in the late 1740s in England. This style became quite popular in the early 19th century and was one of the styles used to revive the glory of Gothic architecture. This design style stood in contrast to the neoclassical style that was prevalent at the time.
Returning to the design of the Notre-Dame Basilica, in 1824, the church was redesigned by architect James O'Donnell. The church has a height of approximately 60 meters and covers an area of around 3600 square meters. The primary material used in its construction is stone. The building was completed in its entirety in 1843, making it the largest church in North America at the time.
Even after the construction was finished, interior work continued for quite some time, from approximately 1872 to 1879. However, this time investment yielded beautiful results. The interior design is incredibly stunning and elegant. Various ornamental elements such as decorative stained glass, sculpted statues, flooring, and the ceiling showcase the beauty of this building.
Of course, the church is now open to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty through its interior and the light shows within. For the public, the church is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with ticket prices varying based on the visitor's age. The ticket price is certainly worthwhile given the beautiful spectacle presented.
The show at Notre-Dame Basilica, called 'Aura,' uses 140 lights, four lasers, 20 mirrors, and over 20 projection screens. It is not just a visual experience but also an auditory one, as it is accompanied by orchestral arrangements. It is a profoundly moving and beautiful experience to enjoy this inside the church.
This show began in 2017 as part of Montreal's 375th celebration. Aura aims to illustrate the beauty of the Basilica. Due to its spectacular and popular nature, Aura has been extended until 2018. The show lasts approximately 45 minutes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the play of light and projections throughout the interior.
Even without the show, the Basilica church itself boasts beautiful designs that come to life in its interior colors. The stained glass windows on the ceiling feature beautiful geometric designs. Additionally, the walls and various other decorative elements exude a Gothic royal ambiance. The colors of deep blue and gold are well integrated, and other colors like red, purple, azure, and silver fill the room beautifully. Decorative elements made of wood carvings and religious statues adorn the entire interior space.
So, if you happen to be visiting Canada, be sure to pay a visit to this beautiful church!
sumber: wikipedia | dayjobsnightlife