Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) is the main destination for Canadian pilgrims. Being the largest church in Canada, this tremendous edifice can simultaneously accommodate ten thousand people. The entrance to the temple begins with 283 steps, 99 of which many parishioners climb on their knees. Father Paul Bellot created the dome of the basilica in 1937-1939. 97 meters above the oratory level, it became the third dome of this type in the world, along with St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Cote d’Ivoire. It is the highest point in the city. On the dome, under the cross, there is a small observation deck with a magnificent 360-degree view.

The construction of the basilica began in 1904 under the supervision of Brother Andre (Brother André, born Alfred Bessette). The small chapel of Notre Dame could not accommodate all the parishioners that rapidly increased in number. And in 1917, a more spacious church was built, but it was not enough either. In 1924, there started the construction of the basilica, which visitors can see today. The construction was completed in 1967. Brother Andre didn’t live to see his creation finished. He died at the age of 92 eight years after the start of construction.

The basilica is built of Canadian granite and styled in the Italian Renaissance. The total length of the oratory is 105 meters, the facade of the basilica is decorated with a colonnade. Inside the church, numerous rooms for pilgrims, a museum of monk Andre and the Oratory museum are located.

The church museum keeps a Catholic relic, the heart of Brother Andre. It is preserved at the monk’s request, as he devoted it to protect the basilica after his death. The museum collection displays various objects of religious art, historic and artistic assets. Saint Joseph’s Oratory often hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and other events. In 2004, Saint Joseph’s Oratory was renowned as a National Historic Site of Canada.