Old Quebec

Historic District of Old Quebec *
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Country	Canada
Type	Cultural
Criteria	iv, vi
Reference	300
Region **	Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription	1985 (9th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO

Old Quebec (French: Vieux-Québec) is a historic neighbourhood of Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec in Canada. Comprising the Upper Town (French: Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (French: Basse-Ville), the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Administratively, Old Quebec is part of the Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–colline Parlementaire district in the borough of La Cité–Limoilou.

The area is sometimes referred to as the Latin Quarter (French: Quartier latin), but this title refers more to area around the Séminaire de Québec, the original site of Laval University.

History

Old Quebec is the oldest part of Quebec City, chosen in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain as the location for the Chateau Saint-Louis. Old Quebec maintained a strong military and administrative presence from its beginning, a use determined by the strategic heights of Cap Diamant. While the Lower Town was populated with merchants and craftsmen, the Upper Town was inhabited by military officials and members of the clergy.

This strong military presence long limited the city's expansion. At the end of the 19th century, many wanted to demolish the fortifications, judging them to be unnecessary and a hindrance to urban development. However, Governor Dufferin successfully managed to preserve the character of the walled city, while adapting the further expansion of the modern city.

Despite having undergone some degradation in the 1950s, the Old City has been subject to somewhat of a renaissance period since the 1970s.

The rich historic nature of Old Quebec is marked by the city's ramparts, fortifications, and many historic houses and buildings. The legacy of previous generations and the beauty of the district make it particularly unique.

The majority of buildings in the neighborhood date from 19th century, although the construction of some date back to 17th and 18th centuries. It also is home to several commercial streets, including Rue Saint-Jean, Rue Sainte-Anne and Rue De Buade. Many institutions are still housed in the heart of the city, such as the Quebec City Council, the Séminaire de Québec, the Ursulines Convent, and the Augustinian monastery. As a popular tourist destination, Old Quebec is also home to several hotels, including the famous Château Frontenac. Guided ghosts tours are also of interest to its residents and visitors.

The Château Frontenac dominates Old Quebec City's skyline

Transportation

Public Transport

The Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) operates the Écolobus loop service within Old Quebec. The Écolobuses are 100% electric, non-polluting and very quiet. The buses are much smaller than the RTC's regular fleet, accommodating 10 seated and 10 standing passengers.

Rail

Old Quebec is serviced by the Gare du Palais train and bus station. Built in 1915 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the châteauesque station is similar in design to the Château Frontenac. Via Rail operates regular services to Montreal via Drummondville. The station is also serviced by the private coach company Orléans Express.

Air

Old Quebec is 16km east of Quebec's Jean Lesage Airport. There is no public transport between the airport and Old Quebec, however taxis operate at a flat rate of $32.50.

Recognition

In 1963, an area in the historic area of the city was named a "Declared Historic District" (French: Arrondissement historique décrété)' by the province of Quebec, and was expanded the following year to an area of 135 hectares (330 acres). It includes 1,400 buildings within the neighbourhood of La Cité, including the promonotary of Cap Diamant and a strip of band below the cliffs, between the Saint-Charles River and the Saint Lawrence River. In 1985, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.