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Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral: A Spiritual and Historical Landmark

Discover Canada's oldest church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Old Québec, with stunning architecture and rich history.

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The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the oldest church in Canada and the primatial church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec. Its rich history, dating back to 1647, is marked by resilience, having been rebuilt after fires and sieges. The basilica is a National Historic Site of Canada and home to stunning architecture, artwork, and the crypt containing the remains of bishops and governors of New France.

A brief summary to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting, as it is an active place of worship.
  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours and mass schedules.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the basilica's history and art.
  • Explore the crypt to see the final resting place of historical figures.
  • Take a walk around the adjacent garden for a peaceful experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), walk south on Rue des Jardins, then turn left onto Rue de Buade. The Basilica-Cathedral will be on your right, a short walk from City Hall. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes stop near the Basilica-Cathedral. Check the RTC Quebec website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Sainte-Foy area, routes 800 or 801 will take you close to the Basilica. A single fare is $3.75.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Quebec City. A taxi from the Gare du Palais train station to the Basilica-Cathedral is a short ride, costing approximately $8-$15, plus tip. From Quebec airport (YQB) to Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec is approximately $35 - $50.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near the Basilica-Cathedral. The Chauveau Garage and the parking at Hôtel de Ville offer convenient options. Parking rates typically range from $10-$20 for a few hours. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak tourist season.

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Discover more about Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, located in the heart of Old Québec, is a testament to centuries of history and faith. Built on the site of Samuel de Champlain's first chapel in 1633, the original church was constructed in 1647 and named Notre-Dame de la Paix. It holds the distinction of being the first parish church north of the Spanish colonies and became the first cathedral in New France in 1674. The basilica's history is one of both destruction and rebirth. It was destroyed by fire during the Siege of Quebec in 1759 and again in 1922. Each time, it was meticulously rebuilt, preserving its architectural significance. The current structure largely reflects the early 19th-century work of the Baillairgé family. The neo-classic facade, inspired by the church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, is considered the finest in Quebec. The interior is adorned with remarkable works of art, including a gold-leaf canopy over the choir, stained glass from Munich and Paris, and a Casavant organ. A sanctuary lamp, a gift from Louis XIV, is among the ecclesiastical treasures from the French regime. The crypt beneath the basilica serves as the final resting place for four governors of New France and several bishops of Quebec, including François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec. In 1874, the cathedral was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius IX, making it a significant pilgrimage site. In 2014, the basilica celebrated its 350th anniversary with the installation of a Holy Door, one of only a few outside of Europe. Today, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral stands as a living place of worship and a symbol of the enduring spirit of Quebec City.

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