World Heritage #0300 – Old Québec

Last modified 27.03.2022 | Published 27.06.2016Canada, North America, World Heritage Sites

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Old Québec City is so French, in architecture, language and traditions that you feel you have arrived in Europe.

The UNESCO World Heritage List includes more than a thousand properties with outstanding universal value. They are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

Official facts

  • Full name of site: Historic District of Old Québec
  • Country: Canada
  • Date of Inscription: 1985
  • Category: Cultural site

UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 0300:

Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its ancient districts, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city.

My visit

There’s an almost royal view of the mighty Saint Lawrence when you stand on the terrace in front of the Chateau Frontenac. The lower town, the upper town, the citadel, they all make up wonderful places to stroll and relax in. I was here in 2016.

Read more about my visit.

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