The site where the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is located traces its history back to indigenous habitation approximately 2400 years ago and its founding in 1655 as a Roman Catholic sanctuary in the spot near the nascent village that would become Montreal. The stone chapel itself was built in 1675, but a fire destroyed it in 1754, and there it lay buried for 242 years until it was re-discovered in 1996.
Today, the archaeological site for the Chapel is open to visitors at 400 rue Saint-Paul Est in Old Montreal and is also the home of the Historic Site Marguerite-Bourgeoys museum. Unfortunately, I could not visit it, but as I was in the neighbourhood, I was able to photograph the exterior, which is said to be built in Norman-Gothic architectural style.
I looked deeper into this architectural style, Norman-Gothic, which is considered a transitional architectural between the heavy Romanesque design and the Gothic style of later years.
The characteristics of the Norman-Gothic architecture include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, thinner walls, and geometric ornamentation with arches and columns. The chapel is located right beside the Saint Lawrence river and I read that sailors used to make the pilgrimage here to worship and ensure safe travels. It is also known as Sailor's Church because of this connection.
I hope you enjoyed the quick visit to this historic landmark.
Resources
Historic Site Marguerite-Bourgeoys
https://margueritebourgeoys.org/en/archaeological-site/
Romanesque Architecture
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/architecture/romanesque-architecture/
Norman Style- Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/art/Norman-style
Norman Architecture and the Top 15 Norman Buildings
https://architectureofcities.com/norman
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