Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Welcome to Notre-Dame de Québec, the oldest Catholic church north of Mexico, and the only one outside Europe to have a Holy Door. The first church was built here in 1647 and named Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix, or Our Lady of Peace. In 1674, the church was expanded and became a cathedral following the creation of the Diocese of Quebec—which at the time covered all of New France. A century later, it underwent another major expansion. Though it stands tall today, the cathedral has endured a difficult past, including two complete destructions. First, during the British bombardments in the Siege of Quebec in 1759, and again in the winter of 1922, when it was lost to a major fire. Reconstruction began the following year, and what you see today is a faithful restoration, rebuilt using original plans and photographs. The crypt holds the remains of four governors of New France, as well as several bishops of Quebec. The interior was inspired by the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires in Paris. Inside, you’ll discover a funeral chapel dedicated to François de Laval, numerous works of art, and the famous Holy Door—gifted to the parish for its 350th anniversary.