Nostra Madonna della Difesa
Nostra Madonna della Difesa
4.5
About
This church in Little Italy is decorated with controversial Fascist art and serves as one of the neighborhood's chief landmarks.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie has one of Canada's most prominent Italian communities, with Little Italy concentrated along the convivial bends of Saint-Lawrence Boulevard. Known for its fantastic bars and authentic Italian fare, the domain includes the Jean-Talon Market, the largest public market in North America. Open year-round, sunny months see fruit and vegetable stalls set up outside the main chalet, while blustery weather draws crowds indoors to meat and cheese sellers, spices and truffles stalls, and for regional delicacies such as rare Charlevoix lamb. While the market dictates what's fresh for local restaurateurs, visitors can please more than their palates, taking in the Renaissance architecture and frescos of Madonna della Difesa, the picturesque Rue Saint-Rominique with its cheerful homes and splendid gardens, or the ornamented thoroughfare of Plaza Saint-Hubert.
How to get there
- Jean-Talon • 6 min walk
- Beaubien • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,536 within 5 kms
Attractions
516 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
7 reviews
Excellent
2
Very good
5
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Gino B
Newmarket, Canada355 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This beautiful church, located in little Italy, was built almost entirely by Italian immigrants from the region of Molise in Italy. They built it to commemorate sighting of the madonna in la difesa, Casacalenda, Moilse. It's also special to me as I was baptized in this church.
The controversy about the the Mussolini fresco is exaggerated since it was done before the wars and is a tribute to his handling of the Roman question whereby the Vatican was granted independent state status in perpetuity.
Instead focus on the frescos by Guido Nincheri and enjoy the artistic magic.
The controversy about the the Mussolini fresco is exaggerated since it was done before the wars and is a tribute to his handling of the Roman question whereby the Vatican was granted independent state status in perpetuity.
Instead focus on the frescos by Guido Nincheri and enjoy the artistic magic.
Written September 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shannon b
157 contributions
Jun. 2017 • Friends
While on a tour, our guide who is a local from Montreal, took us to this church. This church has an unusual history. It has a very interesting person on the ceiling. It is a pretty astounding story.
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EpicPonyTime
Martensville, Canada1 contribution
Jul. 2013 • Friends
It's a little disappointing to me that this church seems to have a reputation around Montreal as that "one with the Mussolini painting," because it is so much more than that. The architecture found here is something unique in Montreal and really is a beautiful example of a 1900s church. Perhaps to fully appreciate the church it pays to look into its history; I can see why people find the Mussolini mural distasteful, I appreciate it for the era it represents and what it is meant to commemorate. Keep that in mind and you'll find this church one of the best in the city.
Written July 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road6624
Montreal1 contribution
This is a beautiful church and the argument over the Mussolini mural is just plain silly. It was painted well before the War and it commemorates one of Mussolini's few genuine achievements -- the settling of the "Roman problem" by signing a concordat with Pius IX (who incidentally, cordially despised Il Duce).
Written April 30, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nostra Madonna della Difesa
- Hotels near Nostra Madonna della Difesa:
- (0.39 km) Le 9 et demi Saint-Denis
- (0.54 km) Appartements Jean Talon
- (3.30 km) A la Carte Bed & Breakfast
- (3.41 km) Accueil Chez Francois B&B
- (4.70 km) Bed & Breakfast du Village - BBV
- Restaurants near Nostra Madonna della Difesa:
- (0.05 km) Alati-Caserta Patisserie
- (0.13 km) Ristorante Lucca
- (0.16 km) Chez Tousignant
- (0.14 km) Pizzeria Napoletana
- (0.16 km) La Carreta