Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is located in the center of the Old Town, across from the Hotel de Ville (City Hall). It is very lavish inside with many statues and colorful details. What is nice is that there is recorded music playing, which gives it a calm, sacred feel. Many tourists walk through it though, so it is not a place for solitude. This church is the oldest in Canada, though it has burned down and been rebuilt several times. There are no gardens around the church as it is in on a busy corner.

In this spot, a chapel to Mary, Our Lady of Recovery, was built in 1633. This is its story: In 1629, the Kirke brothers, mandated by England, conquered Quebec City. All missionaries were forced to leave the colony, and Samuel de Champlain, the colony's founder, was imprisoned and taken to London. At that point he made a vow to Mary to build a chapel dedicated to her if Quebec City was returned to France. His prayed was answered in 1632 when the colony was returned to France, and the next year Samuel de Champlain was joyfully greeted as he arrived back in Quebec City. The first thing he did was build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Recovery, in thanksgiving for the return of Canada to France. This chapel was destroyed in the fire of 1640, but rebuilt, later becoming a cathedral in 1674 and a basilica in 1874. There is a statue of Our Lady of Recovery in the church, with a crown on her head, baby Jesus on her lap, and a blue background with gold stars. 
The altar lamp is a gift of King Louis XIV.
There is are sweet scenes depicted in the stained glass windows, designed by the Meyer House in Munich and the Champigneulle House in Paris. Look closely at the lovely faces in the pictures.
Look up at the ceiling, and the maritime decorations. Since the French came to Canada by ship, it makes sense that many of the churches have ship votives and decorations. 
After, enjoy the atmosphere on the grass and brick terrace above City Hall. In summer, kids play joyfully at the splash pad in front of City Hall. Or walk down the hill to Rue Saint Jean to have a eat a a cafe or shop in Take a lovely trip to see Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, which you will need a car or bus tour to see. It is so fair and idyllic, with its yellow tilework and countryside themes.

Directions

Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is located at 16 Rue De Buade, Québec City.

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