The illuminated cross on Mount Royal, in Canada, was installed in 1924 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Montreal. It has become an iconic symbol of the city and is lit up on special occasions.
The story of the illuminated cross dates back to 1643, when the founder of Montreal, Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, promised to install a cross on Mount Royal if the city survived a severe flood. The city still being there after the threat, he kept his promise and installed the first wooden cross. This one was not illuminated, but it paved the way.
The current cross that we all know, lit up every night, was inaugurated much later, in 1924. On the occasion of December 24th, for Christmas, it brilliantly lit up the Montreal sky for the first time. The idea behind it all: to commemorate this historic act of Maisonneuve and to express a deeply rooted collective tradition among Montrealers. Since then, it has served as a luminous emblem and familiar landmark for residents, visible for miles.
The illuminated cross of Mount Royal remains a strong religious symbol, evoking the Christian roots deeply present in Montreal's history. Over time, it has also become a true visual landmark, easily recognizable at night from several neighborhoods. For many Montrealers, the cross also evokes a deep emotional attachment, a reassuring nod to the city’s identity. Today, even though not everyone attaches the same religious meaning to it, it remains embedded in the collective imagination and fully contributes to the unique cultural atmosphere that characterizes Montreal.
The current cross on Mount Royal was built of steel in 1924. It stands about 30 meters high and its arms extend 11 meters. Initially lit by traditional light bulbs, it has since been modernized with more efficient and economical LED bulbs. The lighting can be adjusted remotely, even allowing for variations in brightness for different occasions. Its open structure is designed like a lattice, making regular maintenance easier and reducing its wind resistance. The lights are usually white, but the color can change exceptionally during certain special celebrations.
Originally, in the 1920s-1930s, the illuminated cross was largely seen as a powerful religious symbol, representing the dominant Christian faith in Montreal. Over time, with the modernization of Quebec society in the 1960s during the Quiet Revolution, the perception slightly changed: it became more viewed as a cultural icon rather than strictly religious. In the following decades, some questioned its relevance in a multicultural context, sometimes judging that the cross might seem a bit outdated or unrepresentative of Montreal's diversity. From the 2000s onwards, the cross appears to be regarded more as a historical landmark, an integral part of Montreal's urban landscape. Today, Montrealers generally accept the cross as a local curiosity, part traditional and part identity, without dwelling too much on its initial religious aspect.
Today, the cross on Mount Royal mainly serves as an iconic visual landmark of Montreal and marks several important events throughout the year. For example, it turns purple upon the death of the pope, as a tribute during the passing of John Paul II in 2005. Normally, it is lit in white, but it sometimes takes on special colors to support causes or celebrate special days, such as Earth Day or public health awareness campaigns. Montrealers generally enjoy watching it in the evening, especially from downtown, as it somewhat reminds them of the city's historical and spiritual identity. It is also often noticed during the holiday season, when it shines even brighter and marks the festive winter decor of Montreal.
Did you know that the first cross erected on Mount Royal in 1643 by Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, was made of wood to thank the Virgin Mary for sparing the Ville-Marie colony from a flood?
Did you know that the cross on Mount Royal now uses LEDs that significantly reduce its energy consumption compared to the old incandescent lighting?
Did you know that the current illuminated cross stands 31.4 meters tall and can be seen from several kilometers away across Montreal?
Did you know that originally, the cross was only illuminated during special celebrations? It was not until 1924 that permanent lighting was installed.
Although the illuminated cross is very visible from many places in Montreal, it is not visible from everywhere. Its visibility greatly depends on weather conditions, the height of surrounding buildings, and urban lighting.
Yes, the illuminated cross has been at the center of several debates over the years, mainly related to economic or environmental reasons. However, it remains a well-established and cherished symbol for the majority of the Montreal population.
The cross on Mount Royal was illuminated for the first time on December 24, 1924. This illumination was part of the Christmas celebrations organized by the city and has since become a permanent and symbolic tradition.
The exact cost varies, but the annual energy consumption related to the illumination of the cross remains relatively modest thanks to the use of modern low-energy technologies, such as LED lighting. The maintenance and operational expenses are covered by the city of Montreal.
The cross itself is not open for direct visits inside, as it does not have any facilities for the public. However, it is possible to approach the surrounding area during a hike in Mount Royal Park, from where visitors can admire the cross up close.
0% of respondents passed this quiz completely!
Question 1/4
