Rue Saint-Paul (Montreal) facts for kids
| French: Rue Saint-Paul | |
Saint Paul Street in Old Montreal
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| Length | 2 km (1 mi) |
|---|---|
| Location | Montreal |
| West end | Montfort Street |
| East end | Berri Street |
| Construction | |
| Inauguration | 1673 |
Rue Saint-Paul (which means Saint Paul Street) is a very old and famous street. You can find it in the Old Montreal historic area of Montreal, Quebec. It is a special place that shows a lot about the city's past.
Contents
History of Saint Paul Street
Saint Paul Street is the oldest street in Montreal. It has been around for a very long time! The street was first planned out by a person named François Dollier de Casson. He was a Sulpician priest and a very important figure in early Montreal.
How the Street Began
Before it was a street, this path followed an old fort. This fort helped protect the early settlers. In 1672, the path was finally paved. This made it a proper street for people to use.
Naming the Street
The street was named after Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve. He was the founder of Montreal. In 1650, he even built his own home right on this street. For many years, Saint Paul Street was the main road in Montreal. It was a busy place for trade and daily life.
Famous Places on Saint Paul Street
Today, Saint Paul Street is still a lively place. It has many important buildings and features. These places tell stories about Montreal's history.
Bonsecours Market
One famous building is the Bonsecours Market. It is a large, beautiful building. In the past, it was a busy public market. People would come here to buy and sell goods. Today, it holds shops and offices. It is a great place to visit.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Another important landmark is the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. This chapel is very old and has a rich history. It is known as the "Sailors' Church." Sailors would visit it to pray for safe journeys. You can even climb to the top for great views.
Cobblestone Streets
Much of Saint Paul Street still has its original cobblestones. These are large, rounded stones used for paving roads. Walking on them feels like stepping back in time. They add to the historic charm of the area.
Street Changes Over Time
In 2008, there were plans to make the street only for people walking. This means cars would not be allowed. However, this idea was stopped. Local shop owners wanted cars to still be able to drive there. Saint Paul Street continues to be a mix of old and new. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
