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Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
110 Rue Notre-Dame OuestMontréal, QC H2Y 1T2
(661) 452-4631
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 8 am - 4 pm
Sun 12:30 pm - 4 pm
72 reviews for Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
72 reviews in English
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Review from Kristelle V.
4/21/2012
Literally took my breath away.
So, you guys know James Cameron? He made this awesome movie called Avatar. Brilliant film, but at the end it left me feeling kind of like I hate the human race, you know? What a bag of douches.
But then I experience things like this amazing church and if mankind built something this beautiful that touches people the way it does, they can't be all bad. Also, Celine Dione got married here! I'm a fan :) It's only $5 and there is a fantastic sacred heart chapel in the back that you can't miss. So so so beautiful. Montreal is a super city, if you make it out there, this stop is a must! I didn't watch the light show, but I'm glad I didn't. Would probably cheapen the experience for me. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
5/19/2012 1 photo
Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal is the most beautiful church in Canada... Definitely worth a visit...
I just love the deep blue coloured ceiling decorated with golden stars, the beautiful stained windows... all these intense colours... so pretty and breath taking..
I tried to visit every time when I am in Montreal...
I know some would have argue that I can admire the church from the slide shows and photos from the Internet... but being inside the structure itself.. feel the space, the atmosphere and even the soft whispering of the building, that's the reason I travel! -
Review from GirlintheCity A.
Montréal, QC
4/4/2012
It's nice inside but just 'nice'. I've been to many famous churches throughout the world and this one was nothing special.
It's only 5$ to get in though so I guess it's worth a look around. Or if you want to have an experience, go during mass because then its free. It's held in French though and an hour long.
If you're in the area check out the bmo museum across the street. It's free and takes about 5-10 minutes to look around. -
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2012 7 photos
Majestic, beautiful, transcendent and artful are some of the adjectives that describe this church. Reading the reviews won't do any good. Just visit the place and experience the atmosphere. This is as closest as it can get to visiting Europe while in Canada. And you know what? This church can stand shoulder to shoulder with some churches in Europe in terms of its spectacles.
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Review from Richard M.
Before going to dinner we decided to see the Luminaire show. Really didn't know what to expect. The show turned out to be the history of the church. The story was interesting and full of insight.
After the drapes came down it exposed the grandeur of this church, and boy was it spectacular. I have never seen anything this beautiful in a house of worship. It was worth the $10.00 dollars for entrance. -
Review from MandA R.
Never thought we would have set foot in a church let alone a Basilique but glad we did. $5 each allows you to tour this amazing place. Make sure you grab the map in English located right in front. It will help you appreciate your time here much better.
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Review from Angela N.
4/10/2012 8 photos
All the guidebooks will tell you to make a visit to Basilique Nortre-Dame de Montreal and if you're in Old Montreal, even if you do not walk inside you cannot avoid this edifice even if you wanted to. There is a small public square outside the gates and makes for a great stop to take a break and people watch. Visited during the evening with $10 admission fee (which includes the Light & Audio Show and self-tour). The Light Show was a bit cheesy but did give some good historical facts about the church and also allows you to appreciate the space, the architecture and the meaning behind the stain glass art.
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Review from Loli L.
12/10/2011
I was intending to get us to the And Then There was Light show but through a series of wonderfully fortuitous events, we found ourselves with free front and center tickets to Les Stars Chantent Noel in the Basilica last night. It was fantastic!
Not only was the show incredible but it was my first chance to see the basilica from the inside. As an avid fan of Pope John Paul II, it's always a treat for me to go to places that he has visited. The building is gorgeous! I felt kinda guilty staring at all the intricate detailing around me instead of the show- but I honestly just came to see the basilica. The show's lights did make it all pretty cool and dramatic though. And getting to listen to the organ play was amazing!
We took some time after the show to look at some of the other features before heading off. If I had more time, I would have loved to attend a full tour or the light show.Listed in: Montreal without a car
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Review from Bill E.
1/2/2012
This grand cathedral is different in color and layout than any other I've seen before. It is three stories high, has balconies on both sides, is various patterns of blue, gold and wood and has a theater like remarkable rear wall behind the alter. Amazing.
We spent twenty minutes just appreciating the carvings and colors. -
Review from Lily C.
North York, ON
12/21/2011
The beautiful angels in lights along with the nativity scene caught my eye, so I walked across the plaza to check out the church when I noticed a handful of people darting inside. It turned out the And Then There was Light Show was about to begin. Though it had not been in my plans, I bought a ticket and was whisked inside, quickly grabbing an English headphone set and finding a seat in the crowded church.
I had not idea what I had signed up for! Well, I was both entertained and inspired. The show captures the spirit behind the founding fathers of Montreal and Notre Dame. It was both imaginative and beautifully rendered...highlighting parts of the architecture along the way. I'm so glad I happened upon this at exactly the right moment! The show gave me a deeper appreciation of both Notre Dame and the founding of Montreal. -
Review from Carmelo R.
3/21/2012
Definitely a copy of the Eglise du Notre Dame in Paris, France, but much prettier on the inside.
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Review from Melissa M.
9/30/2011
If you pay a visit to Montreal, you HAVE to see The Notre-Dame Basilica located in Old Montreal. It is grand and magnificent from the outside and inside. As soon as you enter, you are blown away from the high ceilings which are a dark blue color decorated in gold stars. The rest of the Basilica is decorated in blues, reds, purples, silver, and gold. There are hundreds of wooden carvings and several religious statues. You will also find intricate stained glass windows. This basilica is gorgeous!
There is a small entrance fee. -
Review from Athena C.
11/26/2011
Notre-Dame Basilica is one grand Church right inside Montreal and is something you can't really miss when you visit Montreal. There simply isn't much to see here so I suggest you pay a visit.
I have seen a tons of churches, basilicas, and chapels around the world but I would say Notre-Dame is quite impressive although not as grand and elaborated as Duomo in Florence. There are two parts here; one is the Basilica and the back is the Chapel, You do have to pay $5 to enter, which I consider cheap. They also have English and French guided tour if you so desire.
They have the painted glass windows and bronze/gold looking architecture and it is very solemn and historic although some parts were restored after a major fire. -
Review from Sara R.
9/29/2011
There should be more stars to give this incredibly, magnificent sight.
My first full day in Montreal, and I planned to surely see the Notre Dame Basilica. I used one of those self-guided Walking Tours from Frommers (highly recommend), and it led me here in the middle of the tour of Old Montreal. But you don't need anyone or anything to tell you you're near it, or when you've reached it. You will *know*.
I stood there in front of it, looking up, and understanding the meaning of true awe-strickenness. It's humbling, and it just takes you back into a world of when it was first built. They charge $5 to enter (or was it $10?), but don't even consider declining. When I opened the door, I almost fell to the floor. I kid you not and am not being typically dramatic. My eyes filled with tears and streamed down my face, and I could not stop saying "wow", over and over again.
Sat down in one of the pews, and inhaled the beauty. The architecture, the colors, the shapes, the intricacies, the illusion of depth, the lighting.. it was all extraordinary. It's no wonder that the man who architected it (James O'Donnell) converted to Roman Catholicism after having been impacted by his own work.
That day, those moments, were up as one of my favorites of Montreal. I returned again on the last day of my trip, just to enjoy it from the outside again.
There is a lot of history surrounding the area (you're in the heart of Place d'Armes), so you're in for a treat if that is your thing. Lots of great, inexpensive souvenir shops just to the east of the Basilica. There was a lot of construction going on (I think they were repairing or adding something to the statue of Maisonneuve, which is right next to it), but everything else is pretty much accessible at the time I was there.
Make this one of your priority stops! :) And actually, an addition to the Bucket List. :) -
Review from Terrie C.
1/20/2012
Only visited the outside and it was beautiful!!!!!
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Review from Tiffany Z.
8/30/2011
Extremely beautiful inside....the inside of the church is illuminated with blues and purplish coloring which look beautiful peeking through the gold statutes at the opposite end of the church.
Amazing hand craved pieces and exquisite master pieces everywhere.
Under 18 yrs = $4
Adults = $5
There's also a special light show Tuesday through Friday 6:30 and 8:30pm. $10 each -
Review from Kevin S.
10/19/2011
This is definitely a must-see when visiting Montreal. There's a five dollar entrance fee unless you're there to actually attend Mass, but it is worth it.
Free 20-minute tours are held every 30 minutes in French and English, which are definitely worth staying for to get the history of not just the Basilica itself, but also how it ties into the history of the city of Montreal. One is also afforded the opportunity to gain perspective/meaning on the different features of the Basilica (the significance of the stained glass windows, the meaning of the bronze sculpture at the front of the chapel (which is behind the main church), the purpose of the single spiral staircase on the left side of the main church, what "Notre-Dame" even means, etc etc etc...).
In three words: Just do it.
p.s. The Notre-Dame Basilica is a French parish, so for those non-Francophone Catholics that are visiting and considering attending Mass, be aware that all Masses are conducted in French. -
Review from Steve S.
This Basilica was really cool. It is located in the old part of Montreal. The cost to get in was only $5 dollars and the give you a very detailed 20 minute tour. It was just the right amount of time and information.
This Basilica has a very interesting history. It was first built as a church, but when they had over 3000 people in it, they needed to expand b.c. people were freezing standing outside in the Montreal winters. Before they had seats/pews in this place, they could fit about 10k people in here. They have a huge organ in the church that has 7000 tubes. It is one of the largest in North America. There is a lot of hand carved wood, and the stained glass is really unique. While most stain glass tells a Bible story, the glass here tells a history of the city.
They also have a separate modern chapel that is attached to it. it has a much smaller organ and has a lot of bronze art work. Famous Canadians who have been married at this chapel include Celine Dion and Mario Lemeiux.
Alright kids, there is your history lesson for the day. See, I did not even charge any of you $5 bucks. Seriously though, whether you are religious, or not, this is an architecture marvel and a really historic site to see in Montreal.Listed in: Montreal hot spots
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Review from Hector M.
6/13/2011 4 photos
Will I go to hell for lying to get into a church?
I went to Montreal for Easter Weekend and was walking around Old Montreal on Good Friday. I wanted to go inside the church, but it was closed (it was only open for people praying so I agreed).
It is beautiful inside and no pictures were allowed since people were praying (and since the $5 admission was waived). I'm not sure if I agree with an admission to get into church, but it's one of Montreal's main tourist attractions. Next time I'll just pray for them to be open.Listed in: Fun Things to Do, Weekend in Montreal
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Review from Yvonne T.
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Notre-Dame Basilica is to Montreal as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It is the landmark that defines Montreal.
Buildings in Montreal, especially Old Montreal, are all beautiful, but all pale in comparison to the Notre-Dame. I wasn't originally going to visit, as I had been here before on a prior trip to Montreal - but a large banner which read "Let there be light" caught my attention.
After further inquiry, I learned that they now have a light show of the basilica in the evenings. Admission is $10.
We purchased tickets for the 8:30PM show as we intended to go after dinner on Friday night.
It was more than just a visual display. It told the history of the colonization of Montreal. The show is narrated by the "ghost" of James O'Donnell, who was the original architect of the Notre-Dame Basilica. The show was logistically perfect, and highlighted details of the Notre-Dame that you would otherwise miss during the day where the natural light may not hit certain features of the church.
They also provide you with 15 minutes at the end of the show to tour the basilica and take photos (which you would have to pay admission for during the day anyways).
The front of the basilica is definitely the focal point of the church. I just stood there and marveled at it. It is historic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame in Montreal, that makes me appreciate history. I walked out of there asking myself "Could something of this grandeur be replicated again? If so, would the motivation (e.g. commercial/business purposes) make it less admirable?" -
Review from William M.
12/26/2011 3 photos
Last time I was in Montreal I was only able to admire the church from the outside. I was able to make it inside and I was truly rewarded with a fantastic view and admiration for this gorgeous place. You could spend days marveling over the architecture and the intricate artwork and probably not say enough to do it justice. The stained glass, the pipe organ, the pulpit, altar, everything really exudes a magnificent solemnity. I posted the latest pictures but I only added #103-106, so I think that says it all.
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Review from Pete J.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not sure if the price has gone down, but we only paid $5 pp to enter this magnificent basilica and it is worth every penny. It truly is spectacular.
The tour is 20 minutes, which is the perfect length. Our tour guide was informative and friendly. We got to see the main building and the chapel behind and learn the history.
The architecture is beautiful. The murals, stained glass and statues are very impressive.
You don't have to be religious to come here, just a lover of beauty. A trip to Montreal would not be complete without a visit here.Listed in: Vive Montreal
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Review from Zac S.
1/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
wasn't expecting to have to pay 10 bucks to get in, but decided that since we walked all that way, we should splurge. I mean, a movie costs that much, right?
very beautiful. the lighting is spectacular. The staff was great. I heard the ticket teller tell some man that he needed gloves as his hands were very red, and went to the lost and found to give him a pair.
Well worth the visit and the walk to get there. -
Review from neesa r.
9/2/2011 1 photo
it's a very very beautiful church as from inside and outside.
there was some admission cost when we tried to get in last time but all the times before I always went in for free. so not sure what the admission cost depends on - time of the day, day of the week or seasons.
there is also a light show that's highly advertised. we went for that (tickets were something like $12) but weren't really impressed. the set up is great but the scenario/story/length is too boring. -
Review from Esther Y.
4/29/2011
The location of the Basilica is nice, so you can kind of just come right upon it and go in. Old Montreal has a great vibe, a crazy mix of old and new, and this was a perfect representation of the old.
It's a sight to see, and if you have time, you should pop over. -
Review from Kim K.
12/16/2010
Beautiful, vast, stunning, serene, austere, amazing. I can't describe it's splendor in enough words!
A must visit. The entry fee of $5 is completely reasonable and the staff here are all very nice. -
Review from John F.
North York, ON
1/24/2011
A must see site in Montreal. The interior is beautiful, especially the altar piece. This is not a bright church but has a pleasantly etherial feel. The French Gothic revival interior reminded me of religious music of Gounod or Franck. Tour (more of a lecture, really) was informative and thorough.
The wooden scultures of local nuns as well as saints and Biblical personnages have a particularly Canadian feel to them. The stained glass, while not especially old, is lovely with a nice variety of colours.
This is a large church but unlike some basilicas there are not a lot of side chapels, perhaps becuase it has no transept. There seem to be a lot of confessionals where chapels might have been. Maybe there was a lot of sinning to be confessed when it was built!
The back private chapel, rebuilt in 1980 after a fire, is a combination restoration and rebuild using modern architecture. Personally, I did not feel it jibed too well - I think a totally modern re-do would have worked a bit better. But the main church is the highlight in any case.
PS: I think Erin might be incorrect on the number of basilicas in North America. I know of much more than two.Listed in: Places to Go, Things to Do
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Review from Sami A.
9/9/2011
Lightning didn't strike me as I entered so I guess I was right about you, God. The church itself is really beautiful, $10 to enter.
Listed in: Montreal
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Review from Wilson K.
9/29/2010
This 19th century Gothic Revival basilica will make you think you're in Europe. At any rate, you'll certainly be expected to act like you are, so plan to bring shawls and visit at appropriate times.
We went on Sunday for 11 AM mass (the only time you can hear a full choir and organ). I'd recommend sitting closer to the altar where you get the full effect of the light and hear the French. Spending time around such lovely art is a treat, and seeing the mysteries makes the space seem vibrant rather than a well-touristed museum. -
Review from Jeremy K.
9/27/2010 6 photos
This beautiful Basilica is located between Victoria Square and the old Port district of Montreal. It is absolutely spectacular and well worth the $10 entry fee.
It is meticulously kept and features some very interesting, intricate architecture, murals, statues and all sorts of other wonderful, spiritual artifacts. The fuse of wood and stone is very impressive and the lighting is absolutely incredible and makes for some amazing photography. I had an absolute blast snapping tens of pictures with my camera. You can probably even pull off some impressive HDR pictures if you have a tripod.
They offer tours during the day and at night. The night ones feature a light show from what I've heard but I wasn't able to make it to them sadly enough, but will try to on my next visit to the city.
Whether you are here for religious reasons, or to visit, this Basilica is very fitting to its neighborhood and is a must-see piece of local history. -
Review from Denis K.
8/7/2008
The historic district of Old Montreal has many picturesque buildings. One of these that a visitor must see is the Notre-Dame Basilica. While I admit a key draw for me was this is a Catholic Church, any one can appreciate the inspiring Gothic architecture that is reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris. Inside, a grand altar greets you that is absolutely jaw dropping stunning. The detail and craftsmanship is incredible. The royal blue in the background is not something I'd see in any other Basilica or Cathedral before, but the effect is quite.. grand.
In the back, the pipe organ stands with light from a circular stained glass shining through. The architect and builders of this Basilica really created a beautiful house of worship. If you're in the area, the Basilica is really worth seeing, even if you're not the religious type.
review 8/7/2008
I.M.Y. -
Review from Allison T.
8/8/2008
So the church is gorgeous - the volunteers who staff it however are pushy, rude, and very decidedly unChristian. While visiting I attended mass services with a few folks. Our small group got separated after church (two of us went to light candles) so we stood off to the side hoping our friends would see us. We were hassled not once but twice by people from the church demanding that we PAY an entrance fee just to stand next to the exit while we waited for our friends to pay their respects. There were several other worshippers still standing nearby and I didn't see any of them getting the same treatment.
We politely explained, twice, that we'd come for mass, been separated from two of our friends, and were waiting for them to return. Mass had not been over for even ten minutes and the woman kept demanding that we "donate" or "pay." In the end she basically rudely grabbed us and shoved us out the door.
Thanks but no thanks. It's a stunning church, but it is first and foremost a place of worship. The uptight money grubbing assholes who work here need to remember that. -
Review from Anne K.
8/28/2011 1 photo
So, so beautiful. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Montreal! I'd advise going earlier on a weekday morning to get a quieter and less crowded experience. It costs $5 per person to enter, but the money goes directly to the upkeep and maintenance of the basilica itself.
Listed in: Montreal
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Review from Beth M.
1/2/2010 2 photos
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Montreal. If you like old churches and ornate decoration, be sure to add this to your agenda.
The purples, blues, and teal behind the alter are beautiful. There is a lot of wood in this church (check out the men praying carved into the pews along the main aisle) and the many seats lining the exterior of the alter.
We had planned to see the light & sound show and when we arrived at 6:15 for the 6:30 show, it was sold out, as was the 8:30 show. We thought we would be able to get in because the church holds a lot of people. Maybe they don't pack the house? Anyway, get your tickets early!
$5 general admission and it includes a self-guided or guided tour. The tours in English seemed to be on the 1/2 hour but call ahead.Listed in: A Midwesterner in Montreal
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Review from Christine E.
11/29/2010
Beautiful basilica in Old Montreal. When my fiance and I first entered, our jaws dropped and we were in absolute awe!
Try to get there earlier, rather than later, in the day...unlike us. We arrived around 4 pm and just missed the last tour of the day!
In addition to the main part of the church, be sure to check out the chapel in the back.
The interior of the building is marvelous and a true treasure. I hope we can return to hear mass.
I would've rated 5 stars - but it felt dark inside the church. The blue hues were different. Nonetheless, this is a true art form! -
Review from Anlina S.
Winnipeg, MB
1/11/2010
If you are visiting Montreal the Notre-Dame Basilica is a must-see site.
The basilica is spectacular. The interior is incredibly beautiful and well maintained, with amazing architectural and decorative details. Almost every surface of the interior is covered with intricate wood carvings, beautiful paintings or complex patterns. The stained glass windows are beautiful and illustrated the history of the basilica and Montreal.
The sheer amount of stuff to see here can be a little overwhelming - you really need to take your time to really absorb and appreciate everything.
We caught the guided tour in English, which was really excellent. The tour guide was very animated and engaging and shared a lot of information that would have been missed if we had just gone through ourselves. While the tour covered quite a bit of the basilica, I rather wish the tour had been longer and had gone into more detail about more areas. I'd guess it was maybe a half hour tour?
There was no access to the balconies when we were there, which was a little disappointing, as I would have liked to get a closer look, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur was closed for a private ceremony, so we didn't get a look in there this time.
I'll definitely go back next time I'm in Montreal, for a mass and with a camera. I'm not religious, but I'd like to attend a mass just to hear the organ. -
Review from Dave L.
11/10/2008 3 photos
A must see.
The basilica is breathtaking. When you step inside, you'll find that it's surprisingly bright.. and blue.. and very detailed. A tour is recommended to hear the storied history behind Notre-Dame and what all the statues and carvings mean. There's also a chapel in the back which is just as amazing. If you can, try to catch the orchestra at the basilica and experience the pipe organ in full effect.
Tips: Shh! Worship is in progress.Listed in: Montreal & More
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Review from Cha Cha W.
8/8/2008 10 photos
If I was back in the Middle Ages, illiterate and believing in an all mighty, I'd find myself tempted by God too after some exposure to this gorgeous Gothic revival of a basilica. The colors and design of the altar is tres beau-ti-ful as are all the carved details. And that organ, what I wouldn't give to attend mass just to hear it.
Did you know there's only one person ever allowed burial here? That's right, James O'Donnell, an Irish American Protestant architect that was hired to build the basilica loved his work so much, he converted to Roman Catholicism on his deathbed to be buried in the crypt. This is just one of the many fascinating stories you can hear on the tour.
Mornings are the best time to visit but Tuesday through Saturday evenings are best for the light show. -
Review from Catherine H.
9/16/2011
The beauty and splendor of this church will knock you over when you enter. I've been all over Europe, and this rivals or exceeds every other cathedral I've visited. Pay your $5. It's more than worth it.
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Review from Pinky And The B.
2/28/2011 8 photos
I am not a Catholic and this is not a religious review.
Pope John Paul II gave the church the status of Basilica during a visit to the city in 1982.
Notre-Dame is an active house of worship though I did not go for worship but just a tour. It's 12-ton bass bell is the largest in North America, and also has a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ. It has less of a circus like atmosphere than St.Patrick's here in NY and has more of a solemn feel. It is a major work of art and though I have been to a few Cathedrals in cities such as DC , Cathedral touring is not really my thing. I have a special interest in Notre-Dame because as a child my grandmother had a sketch of it in her apartment that was beautiful and realistic I thought it was a black and white photograph but she drew it. I am sure there is a fascinating story behind the sketch but I never heard it. She did not have any other art hanging in her apartment just this sketch! The sketch hung on her walls for my entire child hood. I just went there to imagine what her secret life as an artist was like. As a child I just took the sketch for granted that grandma drew like Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simon. Too bad she did not pass her talent onto me! 5 stars.
