Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec

Quebec City, Canada

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec is the oldest church in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies in Florida and New Mexico. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, and located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic District of Old Québec.

Located on this site since 1647, the cathedral has twice been destroyed by fire throughout the centuries. A previous iteration of the church was destroyed during the Siege of Quebec in 1759. It was rebuilt from plans by Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry draughted in 1743. The interior was designed by Jean Baillairgé and his son François from 1786–1822. In 1843, François' son, Thomas, suggested a reconstruction of the façade to resemble the church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, resulting in the finest Neo-classic façade in Québec. The cathedral was richly decorated with impressive works of art: baldaquin, canopy, episcopal throne dais, stained glass windows, paintings, and chancel lamp (a gift of Louis XIV).

In 1922 the church was again gutted by fire, this time by the Canadian fraction of the Ku Klux Klan, and restored by architects Maxime Roisin and Raoul Chenevert.Raoul Chenevert added a presbytery beside the Cathedral in 1931-32.

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Founded: 1647
Category: Religious sites in Canada

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Eileen Weed (6 months ago)
I had a wonderful experience here! This is where my ancestors worshipped and it was touching to be here. I was very grateful to a kind volunteer who gave me the directions on how to go through the Holy Door, open special early. Unfortunately the crypt was not open as it was still winter, which was disappointing.
Zhaohan Xu (7 months ago)
A must go place if you visit Quebec City. This Notre-Dame Basilica have a lot of history and the decoration inside is very gorgeous. The architecture and style is totally different from the Notre-Dame in Montreal. It’s free to visit but donation is recommended. You can just walk in and admire the masterpiece.
Nima M. (7 months ago)
A. First of all, their work hours are not till 4-5 pm, it is till 7-8 pm, which made me some hard time to arrange my schedule for visiting Quebec downtown. Tried to change it on Google map, but didn’t work. Seems needs the Church authorities call Google to fix it on through the phone call. B. It was historically significant building in downtown with super spiritual atmosphere. Welcoming staff in Front, and monument is comparable with historic cathedrals @ Europe. Recommended!
Allan “Keep Life Simple” Sensenich (8 months ago)
Beautiful Basilica, built in the 1600, burial place of some famous people in the history of the church and Quebec, went to confession, they have a priest there and can confess on your time, very convenient. Can light candles for your loved ? ones. Spent time looking at the architecture and of course said some prayers.
sruthi tata (9 months ago)
Notre-Dame Cathedral is an absolutely stunning landmark that everyone should visit at least once. The exterior is breathtaking, with its iconic Gothic architecture and detailed sculptures. But the real magic happens inside— the interior is equally beautiful, with soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and a sense of history that is palpable. Despite the ongoing restoration, the cathedral retains its grandeur and offers a profound sense of peace and reflection. The staff and guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience even more enriching. There was mass happening when we went in and it felt awesome
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