The Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec is the oldest parish North of Mexico. The church has a rather sad if proud history for it has been victim of bombardments and many fires. The fire of 1922 was the worst and burned the place down pretty much to the ground. What you see today built on some of the original foundation, is a replica of the cathedral as it was designed in the mid 17th century. It is still well worth visiting for the interior is quite striking. It was designed in the Rococo style and is quite gaudy. The ceiling is painted blue and white representing soaring clouds and sky. The highlight is the stunning gilded alterpiece that dominates the cathedral. Champlain is said to buried in the crypt but it is not known which corpse is actually his.
The Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec is free to visit and open daily from 8am to 4pm.
This is one of Quebec's oldest churches, standing where Samuel de Champlain built a modest chapel in 1633. Having withstood the French and Indian War and fires, it contains the tombs of the early governors of New France, as well as most of the bishops.
A beautiful church in the centre of the upper old town which is well worth the time to sit and admire for a few minutes. Go inside if you can, we did not and I cannot remember the reason why. Just a 100 metres along the road is the l'Hotel de Ville, the Town Hall.
The original Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec City was built in 1647, making this the oldest parish in North America. The church was destroyed twice, but each time rebuilt at the same location. Parts of the original building still exist and are incorporated into the current Notre Dame which was built in 1771.
The church is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, entry is free, and the guided tour of the crypt is $1.
Notre-Dame is the oldest parish in North America. It dates back to 1647, when a church was built by Samuel de Champlain on the same site. Twice the church was destroyed by fire and the new construction dates back to 1923 and was built following the plans of Francois Baillarge, one of the most famous church architect in the country. You can visit the Basilica Cathedral on your own or go on a guided tour, and for $1 you can also visit the crypt.
It must be a requirement that all decent sized French speaking cities have to have a Notre Dame Cathedral in it. Quebec is no different. Located in old town, near the TouristInfo location. Not as gorgeous as Paris or Montreal, but what is? It’s nice enough inside. Tourist paper copy handouts give info on the cathedral.
Originaly built in 1647, but burned down twice like most buildings made of wood back then. The oldest parish in North America.
No charge, but a $1 donation is suggested.
You’ll spend 15-60 minutes here.
The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec (Our Lady of Quebec City) is the primate church of Canada and seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quebec, the oldest see in the New World north of Mexico. It is also the parish church of the oldest parish in North America. It was the first church in North America to be elevated to the rank of minor Basilica by Pope Pius IX in 1874. Located on this site since 1647, the Cathedral has twice been destroyed by fire throughout the centuries. Paintings and holy treasures still remain from the time of the French regime, including a chancel lamp given by Louis XIV. Four governors of New France and the bishops of Quebec are buried in the crypt, including Francois de Laval, Quebec's first bishop.
Originally built in 1647, the church has been destroyed twice by fire and tore down by the British invaders in 1759. A fourth version burned down in 1922 and the current building was built thereafter. It is following the architecture of the first church.
The stained glass window and paintings inside are beautiful, a must see.
See my travelogue for more pictures
The parish of Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is the oldest north of Mexico, dating from 1647. It has been rebuilt three times.
The cathedral's interior is beautifully decorated, such as the gold leaf decorated ceiling, detailed stained glass windows, and a chancel lamp that was a gift from Louis XIV.
Frontenac, governors of New France, and other famous individuals are buried in the crypt in the cathedral.
In summer, there is a sound and light show inside the catheral that tells the history of the cathedral and Quebec. Adult admission is $7.50.
Located in the heart of the Old City. It is a great place to learn about the history of Quebec City. There is a half hour light show in the Basilica which illuminates the history of Quebec City through the eyes of the church. Quite an interesting stop.
Sponsored Links
Dominion 1912, Hotel Quebec
5 Reviews and 396 Opinions Stayed as guest of the Quebec Saint Malo race organisers. Good continental breakfasts. Coffee -...
Hotel Le Priori Quebec
4 Reviews and 207 Opinions Dave and I stayed here for the second half of our honeymoon in August 2007. It is tucked away on a...
Auberge Place D Armes Quebec
7 Reviews and 335 Opinions I could also say 3 days in paradise. The room in the new museum part built as we where told in 1730,...
Sponsored Links
Comments