Quebec is more popularly known as the la belle province in tourism. It was established in 1608 and was famous for the fur-trade which was very popular in those times. Quebec City is located along the St. Lawrence River and this province depicts a distinctive French identity. Visiting Quebec is like visiting the French era once again.
Quebec is the heart of the French Canada where English has to take a secondary position, is unlike any place in North America. Everything about this place, from the culture to architecture, music, religion and the basic way of life is truly different from th rest of the country. Quebec City being the capital of the province has a very European feel to it which leaves the visitor absolutely mesmerized. Modern buildings are few and far between, but the ancient and historical structures are a treat for the eyes surely.
Some of the buildings which draw attention towards themselves in this enchanting city could be listed as below:
Parliament Buildings: This is a 19th century, Louis XIV style building which houses the National Assembly of the 125 province representatives. It was built in 1886 and is inspired by the Louvre Museum in Paris. The architect of this imposing structure is, Eugene Etienne Tache and he based the designs on the aforementioned style.
Citadelle de Quebec: One of the most significant fortifications built during the British rule is the La Citadelle. It was started in 1820 and took nearly 30 years to complete the whole fortress. At present it is an active operative military garrison and can be visited only along with proper guides. The guided tours are conducted both in English and French.
Le Manege militaire - Quebec City Armoury : This building was built in
1885 and housed Canada's oldest French regiment, Quebec's Les Voltiguers and also contained a museum displaying the regiment's history, uniforms and other archives.
The Fortifications of Quebec City: This commanding wall was erected under both the British and the French regimes; it forms a 4.6 kilometers long defensive belt around the old city. This fortification bears witness to the evolution of Quebec's defense system from the 17th to the 19th century. It is also recognized as a World Heritage Site. A well defined sentry path lined with interpretation signposts runs atop the ramparts and gates. Quebec is the only province in North America to preserve its historical ramparts.
Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec: The church was first built in 1633 as a humble votive chapel dedicated to the Virgin by Samuel de Champlain. But it was destroyed thrice due to fire and destruction. After the fire of 1640, it was rebuilt in 1647 as Notre-Dame-de-la-Prix and became North America's first Parish Church which was duly consecrated by Mgr de Laval in 1666.
Vieux Monastere des Ursulines: The convent is one of Quebec's oldest structures. It is located just off the Rue St-Louis. The convent was founded in 1639 by Madame de la Peltrie which provided education for young girls both Indian and French. The convent's first Mother Suerior was Marie de I'incarnation who had come from Tours in France. She was revered as a saint in the 17th century and was beatified in 1980.
The convent church is adorned with 18th century altars and statues made by Levasseur. The convent museum is full of interesting artifacts which vividly describe the life in the convent in those days and the lives of the foundress as well as the Mother Superior are thoroughly documented here.
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