Montreal - Montreal guide, attractions and pictures
The largest city in the Quebec Province,
Montreal carries the name of
Mount Royal hill which is situated at the centre of the city. The historic centre of Canada’s French civilization entrances the visitor with its cultural diversity.
In the 15th century, the area of Montreal was populated by native tribes which formed the union of the Five Nations. A fur trading post originated on the Island of Montreal in 1611. The opening of the Lachine Canal and the construction of the Victoria Bridge established Montreal as one of the major Canadian cities.
One of the biggest public events in city is the Montreal Festival International du Jazz. The 11 day Montreal High Lights Festival takes place during the winter. Its program features artistic, gastronomic, and musical events. In addition, Montreal offers plenty of cultural and historical places of interest. Built in 1693,
Place d'Armes is one of the oldest sites in Montreal. The square hosts a monument commemorating Chomedey and his defense of the early settlement against the Iroquois. The current
City Hall is a Victorian building designed by H. Perrault. The massive and elaborately decorated hall exemplifies the French Second Empire style. To the north side of Mont Royal is the
St Joseph Oratory. The building two churches: the first floor crypt church and the grandiose oratory church. The second building houses the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, the boys' best choir in Montreal. The religious complex contains a museum dedicated to the artist Jean Frere Andre, garden, cafeteria, souvenir shop, and pilgrims` hostel.
The
Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal is a two-level silver-domed building which has served as the major market hall until the 1960s. The building was designed by architect William Footner and completed by George Browne. In 1849, the market area accommodated the parliament of United
Canada. At present, the hall hosts shops, restaurants, and a museum displaying items of cultural and historic significance. Vieux-Montreal or Old Montreal is situated in the Ville-Marie borough. The area contains some of the oldest buildings in the city. Vieux-Montreal houses the City Hall, the Bonsecours Market, and buildings of colonial mansions such as the Chateau Ramezay. The cobblestoned narrow streets of the old city are well preserved. Horse carriages remind of the vitality of the historic settlement. The port of Vieux-Montreal is surrounded by museums and various recreational facilities.
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