BASILIQUE-CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE QUÉBEC
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral
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Built on the site of the first chapel constructed by Champlain in 1633, Notre-Dame de Québec Church was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America. In 1674, the church took the title of cathedral, following the appointment of Mgr. de Laval as bishop of the new diocese of Québec. Due to the church’s new title, certain modifications were conducted on the building and on its décor. It was ravaged by the bombardments that occurred during the English Conquest in 1759, and was reconstructed a few years later. On December 22, 1922, a fire once again destroyed the cathedral. In 1923, they began the construction of the present-day church. |
The cathedral was successively raised to the rank of metropolitan church in 1844, then to the rank of minor basilica on the occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of the Québec Diocese in 1874 and finally to primatial church in 1956. The church was declared an historical monument in 1966.
Many renowned artists and architects, including Claude Baillif, Gaspard Chaussegros de Léry, Jean, François and Thomas Baillargé and Raoul Chênevert, have worked on the reconstructions, the numerous extensions and the interior décor of the building. Following the fire of 1922, the décor of the sanctuary was redone following the plans that François Baillairgé designed in the 17th century: the baldaquin (an original masterpiece of the artist), the Episcopal canopy and the main altar. Among its treasures, the cathedral houses the bishop’s throne, created by an exceptional sculptor Lauréat Vallière, as well as a sanctuary lamp that was a gift from Louis XIV. There are magnificent stained-glass windows created by the Meyer House in Munich and the Champigneulles House in Paris that represent scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary as well as numerous saints. The cathedral also has three Casavant organs.
LA CRYPTE
The crypt
Between 1654 and 1898, over 900 people were buried under the cathedral. In 1923, at the time of the reconstruction of the church, a crypt was summarily built and was finally completed in 1952. The present-day crypt was inaugurated in 1959. Former bishops, archbishops and cardinals of the Quebec diocese and four former governors of New France (Frontenac, Vaudreuil, Callières and Jonquière) are buried in the crypt. Many priests, who held various titles within the Notre-Dame de Québec Parish, as well as many lay people, are buried in the crypt as well.
LE TOMBEAU DE MGR DE LAVAL
The tomb of Mgr. de Laval
Mgr. de Laval, founder of the Canadian Church, was the first bishop of Québec. An animation centre about his life and works is situated in the cathedral close to the funeral chapel built in dedication to him. In May, 1993, the remains of Mgr. de Laval were moved to this funeral chapel. François de Laval, beatified on June 22, 1980 by Pope John Paul II, is represented by a bronze recumbent statue inspired by those of the Middle Ages.
Points of Interest:
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The gilded sanctuary of the cathedral
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The stained-glass windows
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The crypt
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The tomb of Mgr. de Laval
The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral presents a Notre-Dame organ concert the first Sunday of every month. For more information, visit the following website: http://pages.infinit.net/anton/
FEES AND VISITS
There's no entrance fee for visitors who wants selfguided visits of the Basilica-Cathedral, to assist to a mass or simply to pray. For more information about opening hours, please look at the schedule above.
GUIDED VISITS
Guided visits of the cathedral and the crypt last one hour and are available to groups upon reservation. Rates are as follows: adults – $3 each, children and students – $2 each. Reservations may be made with the Corporation du patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec by telephone at (418) 694-0665, by fax at (418) 692-5860), or by e-mail at info@patrimoine-religieux.com.
Opening hours
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Monday - Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
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November 1 - April 30 |
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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May 1 - June 23 |
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
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June 24 - September 3 |
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
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September 4 - October 31 |
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
Self-guided visits
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Monday - Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
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November 1 - April 30 |
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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May 1 - June 23 |
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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June 24 - September 3 |
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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September 4 - October 31 |
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Guided visits
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Monday – Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
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May 1 - June 23 |
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
12:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
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June 24 - September 3 |
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
12:30 - 5:30 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
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September 4 - October 31 |
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
12:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec16, rue De Buade
Québec (Québec)
G1R 4A1
Telephone : (418) 692-2533Fax : (418) 692-4382
Reservations for guided tours : (418) 694-0665
Website :
www.patrimoine-religieux.com
CENTRE D'ANIMATION FRANÇOIS-DE-LAVAL
François-de-Laval Animation Centre
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Situated inside the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral, close to the chapel dedicated to Monsignor de Laval, the François-de-Laval Animation Centre was created to make François de Laval, first bishop of Québec and founder oof the Caanadian Church, known and loved. Stemming from the Québec Seminary, this Centre offers a variety of animation activities for people of all ages. Through either a video, rally, pilgrimage or guided presentation, you have the opportunity to learn a little more about the history and life of François de Laval. Contact us for more information. |
Centre HoursMonday to Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Open from May to October or upon reservation
Free admission
Centre d’animation François-de-Laval20, rue De Buade
Québec (Québec)
G1R 4A1
Telephone : (418) 692-0228Fax : (418) 692-5860
E-mail :
cfl@patrimoine-religieux.comWebsite :
www.francoisdelaval.org
