Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense Church
Culture, arts and heritage Religious heritage Indoor Little Italy and Villeray
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense Church (Our Lady of Protection or Madonna della Difesa, in Italian) was built in 1919 by the architect R. Montbirant based on the drawings of the artist Guido Nincheri. Born in Florence, this Montréal artist also painted the church’s remarkable frescoes. The altar and balustrade date from 1950 and are made of Carrara marble. Next to the church, Dante Park celebrates the illustrious 14th-century poet and is a favourite meeting place for bocce players and passersby.
