The Cathedral of Our Lady in Ottawa is built on the site of the wooden church of St. James . The cathedral located in the Lower town is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa . The first project of the neoclassical cathedral was created in 1841 ., and for the three years the lower tier of the church was built . But then the design was decided to be changed to the neo-gothic, more popular at the time . Therefore the final design looks somewhat eclectic . It was completed in 1846 g ., although two symmetrical spiers adorned the cathedral for two years and later . The last reconstruction of the cathedral was completed at the end of the millennium . In 1990, . Notre Dame in Ottawa was added to the number of national monuments .
The sharp Gothic spiers of the cathedral are covered with sheet iron, which is typical for Franco -Kanadian churches, and shine in the sun. On the spiers there are bells. The spiers and the gilded statue of Madonna are clearly visible with Parliament Hill.
The interior of the cathedral is rich and beautifully decorated with carved elements . The first series of stained glass was placed in Cathedral in 1879 ., but most of them were replaced in 1950-1960's . A particularly beautiful large window directly above the main entrance to the cathedral: on its stained-glass windows you can see the sculptures of St. Patrick, St. Paul, the Mother of God, St. Joseph , St. Peter and John the Baptist . Here are hundreds of statues, including thirty wooden sculptures on the choirs . At the end of the choirs there is a sculpture group with the Holy Family, John the Baptist and St. Patrick, patron of the Irish and French Catholics . The most notable detail is of course the rich gothic golden altar . Also in the cathedral are the tombs of Governor-General George Wannier and Prime Minister Wilfrid Lurie .
The first organ appeared in the cathedral in 1850, and it was one of the three most outstanding masterpieces of the firm "Kasavan". There were 1063 pipes in it. Subsequently, the body was completely and completely removed and actually created anew. In today's organ of the cathedral 4,700 pipes
Practical information
Address: Ottawa, 56 Guigues.
Working time: Monday: 11:30 - 18:00, Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00 ( from October to May) and 9:00 - 18:00 (from May to October); Sunday: 8:00 - 20:30.