ÉGLISE SAINT-MICHEL-ARCHANGE DE MONTRÉAL

It's hard to miss this imposing edifice on the corner of Saint-Viateur and Saint-Urbain, in the heart of Mile End. Orthodox church? Mosque? With its neo-Byzantine style, large dome and astonishing bell tower, it arouses the curiosity of passers-by. As you approach, you'll notice the trefoils adorning the columns and the stained-glass window on the façade. This is one of the few remaining reminders of the Irish presence in the area between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Built in 1915 to plans by Quebec architect Aristide Beaugrand-Champagne (who also designed the Chalet de la montagne in Mount Royal Park), it was the first Catholic church in Canada to be built in reinforced concrete. Today frequented by the Polish community, the church, renamed Saint-Michel-et-Saint-Antoine in 1969, is rarely open to visitors. Mass times, in English and Polish, are posted at the entrance. You can then take the opportunity to peek inside and discover the brightly hued murals and stained glass windows (roses and Irish shamrocks), and take the time to admire the fresco under the dome, depicting St. Michael (in the center) watching the fallen angels (in the corners) after slaying the dragon. Guided tours are sometimes organized in summer and during Montreal's religious heritage days (in September).