Notre-Dame de Québec : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 16 Jun, 2023
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Notre-Dame de Québec is an historic and culturally important city in eastern Canada. Founded in 1608, it is one of the oldest cities in North America and is the capital of the province of Quebec. Officially designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, the city is home to a number of important attractions and monuments that illustrate the rich history and culture of this part of Canada. From its famous Château Frontenac to its iconic Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, there’s something for tourists to explore in this enchanting city. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most interesting facts and information about Notre-Dame de Québec, as well as some essential travel tips to help make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Notre-Dame de Québec
1. Notre-Dame de Quebec is the oldest Catholic parish in North America. It was founded in 1647 by French explorer Paul Chomedy de Maisonneuve.
2. It is the only site in North America which has been declared an International Historic Site by the UNESCO.
3. The interior of the Notre-Dame de Quebec sanctuary was entirely destroyed by the Great Fire of Quebec in 1870.
4. The Provincial Parliament of Canada resided in the basement of Notre-Dame de Quebec from 1845 to 1883.
5. The construction of the modern Gothic façade of Notre-Dame de Quebec was inspired by French churches built in the Middle Ages.
6. Many famous dignitaries have visited Notre-Dame de Quebec throughout the years, including, Pope John Paul II in 1984.
7. On July 3, 2008, the entire sanctuary was destroyed by a massive fire. However, the relics of the church, such as the symbols of Notre-Dame were saved.
8. It was declared a Basilica in 2014 by Pope Francis.
9. The bells of the Notre-Dame de Quebec are rung day and night, every 15 minutes, since 1647.
History & Information About Notre-Dame de Québec
Notre-Dame de Québec, located in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, is the oldest parish in the country. The first parish was established in 1663 by the Jesuit missionaries, under the direction of Fr. Jean de Quen. The Mission de Notre-Dame de Québec was established in 1668, and the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral was inaugurated in 1674.
The original structure of the cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1759. Interestingly, it was rebuilt with a neoclassical design, which was a dramatic departure from the original medieval plan. This new design was inspired by French architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot’s newly popular neoclassical style.
Notre-Dame de Québec is the second-oldest Catholic cathedral in North America, behind San Juan Cathedral in Puerto Rico. It has survived a number of significant events in Canadian history, including the British bombardment of Québec City in 1759, and the Deschanel Affair, a violent protest in 1830 that resulted in two churches being burnt to the ground, including Notre-Dame de Québec.
In 1850, the church underwent a major renovation project, which included the replacement of the old spire with an ornately-lacquered wooden spire. This spire remains today and stands 55 meters tall.
The Notre-Dame de Québec parish is estimated to be home to more than 1,000 active members, including 200 families. The parish is also home to numerous historical monuments and sites, including the Stewart Museum, the Notre-Dame de Québec Cemetery, and the Mayflower Society Monument.
Notre-Dame de Québec is one of the most iconic symbols in the city of Québec. Its grand spire and grandiose neoclassical facade can be seen from miles away, and it is truly a symbol of the region’s rich history and culture.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Notre-Dame de Québec
Notre-Dame de Québec is one of the most iconic landmarks of Quebec City, Quebec. It is a stunningly preserved, classically Gothic cathedral, standing proudly at the edge of Cap Diamant overlooking the Lower Town of the city. It has been a symbol of faith and beauty since 1647, and it attracts visitors from all over the world who seek to experience its awe-inspiring architecture and spirituality.
When planning your visit to Notre-Dame de Québec, plan to spend at least two days here. Explore the cathedral itself, its history, and the surrounding area. And if you’re a spiritual person, take the time to visit one of the services and find out why it’s called “The Mother of the Churches of New France.”
If you are staying in Quebec City, a visit to Notre-Dame de Québec should be on the top of your list. You can visit the cathedral during its regular opening hours, or book a guided tour and live out the full cathedral experience. While the visit to the inside is free, remember to check on the cost and availability of guided tours.
Once you’ve enjoyed the inside of the Cathedral, there are many other things to do in the area. You can go for a walk on the terrace of the Chapel of the Ursulines and admire the breathtaking view of the river. For a bit of history, you can also take a tour of the walls that wrap around the Lower Town or pay a visit to the Museum of Civilisation.
For shopping, you’ll find plenty of options in the streets and alleys in the immediate area. Enjoy the European-style atmosphere and browse the variety of boutiques and stores, which sell everything from local handicrafts to designer labels.
When it comes to picturesque views, you can’t beat classic Quebec City. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets of the Old City and get an up-close look at the City’s most iconic landmarks like the Chateau Frontenac, the Plaines d’Abraham and the Citadel.
At the end of your visit, you can’t miss the opportunity to go to the Plains of Abraham, just outside of the city limits. It’s a beautiful park that overlooks the nearby river, offering stunning, postcard-worthy views. It’s a great place to end your Notre-Dame de Québec experience.
No matter how much time you have, a visit to Notre-Dame de Québec is an unforgettable experience. Its stunning architecture and spiritual energy will take your breath away. And while exploring the area, don’t forget to try the classic Quebecois dishes like tourtière and poutine. Enjoy every minute of your visit!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Notre-Dame de Québec
Q: What is Notre-Dame de Québec?
A: Notre-Dame de Québec is the oldest parish church in North America. It is located in the Old City of Quebec City, Quebec. It was built in 1647 and has served as a place of worship for several centuries.
Q: What is the history of Notre-Dame de Québec?
A: Notre-Dame de Québec was built in 1647 by the Jesuits and French settlers. It is strongly associated with the Catholic faith and is the seat of the Archbishop of Quebec. Over the centuries, it has served as a place of worship, a spiritual refuge, and a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
Q: What services does Notre-Dame de Québec offer?
A: Notre-Dame de Québec offers daily mass and other religious services. It also hosts a number of events such as concerts, talks, and other special gatherings.
Q: What are the visiting hours at Notre-Dame de Québec?
A: The church is open to the public during regular hours, Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Sunday mass is open to the public from 9:00am to 12:00pm.