Bonsecours Market, an imposing neoclassical building with a long facade, a colonnaded portico, and a silvery dome, was built in the mid-1800s and first used as Montreal's City Hall, then for many years after 1878 as the central market. Its uses have never been decided with finality since then. It was restored in 1964 to house city government offices, and in 1992 became the information and exhibition center for the celebration of the city's 350th birthday. It continues to be used as an exhibition space, with shopping stalls, galleries, boutiques and three restaurants with terraces. The architecture alone makes a brief visit worthwhile.
Next door, the Chapelle de Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is the city’s oldest church; it contains original Edouard Meloche frescoes and has a small museum devoted to the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys (Canada’s first saint). The tower affords excellent views of the port and surrounding streets.
Marche Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market)
