Square Dorchester
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Dorchester Square is a historic urban square and a green oasis in the heart of Downtown Montreal. It is intrinsically linked to the adjacent Place du Canada.
History and Location
Former Cemetery: The square was established on the site of the former Saint-Antoine Catholic Cemetery. Its conversion to a public park began in the 1870s and it was inaugurated in 1878.
Division and Naming: Until 1967, the entire area was known as Dominion Square. When the adjacent boulevard (formerly Dorchester Boulevard) was renamed Boulevard René-Lévesque in 1987, the northern section became Dorchester Square (in honour of Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester), while the southern section was named Place du Canada.
Significance: The square and the buildings surrounding it (like the Sun Life Building and Central Station) commemorate Montreal's Victorian era and its industrial and railway-related growth.
Features and Highlights
Urban Oasis: It is known as a beautiful and serene spot for strolling and relaxing, featuring manicured lawns and a harmonious Victorian-inspired design. It's a popular lunchtime spot.
Monuments: The square is home to several important historic monuments, including:
The Boer War Memorial.
The statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier (former Prime Minister).
The statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The Lion of Belfort.
Architecture: It is surrounded by impressive historic and modern buildings and sits over a series of railway lines, including the Canadian National Rail tunnel leading to Central Station. The square is a key stop on many downtown walking and bus tours.
Square Dorchester
Montreal, CANADÀ 2024.
Dorchester Square is a historic urban square and a green oasis in the heart of Downtown Montreal. It is intrinsically linked to the adjacent Place du Canada.
History and Location
Former Cemetery: The square was established on the site of the former Saint-Antoine Catholic Cemetery. Its conversion to a public park began in the 1870s and it was inaugurated in 1878.
Division and Naming: Until 1967, the entire area was known as Dominion Square. When the adjacent boulevard (formerly Dorchester Boulevard) was renamed Boulevard René-Lévesque in 1987, the northern section became Dorchester Square (in honour of Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester), while the southern section was named Place du Canada.
Significance: The square and the buildings surrounding it (like the Sun Life Building and Central Station) commemorate Montreal's Victorian era and its industrial and railway-related growth.
Features and Highlights
Urban Oasis: It is known as a beautiful and serene spot for strolling and relaxing, featuring manicured lawns and a harmonious Victorian-inspired design. It's a popular lunchtime spot.
Monuments: The square is home to several important historic monuments, including:
The Boer War Memorial.
The statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier (former Prime Minister).
The statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The Lion of Belfort.
Architecture: It is surrounded by impressive historic and modern buildings and sits over a series of railway lines, including the Canadian National Rail tunnel leading to Central Station. The square is a key stop on many downtown walking and bus tours.