Beneath the floor of the chapel lies an archaeological site! In 1996, archaeologists discovered the original foundations of Marguerite Bourgeoys' little chapel... foundations from 325 years ago. Furthermore, this site has revealed signs of even earlier encampments by Native Peoples and artifacts dating back more than 2400 years.
The guided tour of the excavation site was fun. We were led 2 floors down into the basement of the chapel and into a vaulted crypt. From this point, the tour continued, passing through a narrow doorway that led to the dig site itself. Thank goodness the duration of the tour was only 20 minutes because it was very hot down there. As crypt tours go, this was a well-sized group with an informative and entertaining guide.
Note: Unfortunately, there is a "no photos" policy at the dig site. But, I managed to take these two so-so photographs off a slideshow that was being presented in the reception area.
Your pictures are amazing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a place, I love it!
Have a nice day
Elisa, Argentina
Hope you didn't hit your head on any of those wooden beams, Ken du Canada!
ReplyDeletewhat an exciting find! i always thought it would be so cool to be an archaeologist!
ReplyDeleteThe photos look very Indiana Jones-ish! Would love to see for myself some day...maybe when it's not so hot outside ;D
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating history for this cathedral. Great to see this amazing place through your posts Ken.
ReplyDeleteYou did good. Pictures of pictures can be difficult. What an amazing history. I wonder why the no picture policy. I have heard it said that the flash can damage delicate artifacts but I would guess a bunch of flashes going off would disrupt a tour like this one.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Your pics work really well! Must be an interesting tour.
ReplyDeleteYour words were even better than the cool pictures!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
><}}(°>
> < } } ( ° >
< ° ) } } > <
Thats a nice archaeological find. Its always so interesting to learn about our past cultures and traditions.
ReplyDeleteThat would be something to see. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteintriguing site!
ReplyDelete