Old Quebec facts for kids

Old Quebec (French: Vieux-Québec) is the oldest part of Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It is like stepping back in time! This special area is divided into two main parts: the Upper Town (French: Haute-Ville) and the Lower Town (French: Basse-Ville). Since 1985, Old Quebec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In English, people often call it the Old City. In French, it is sometimes called the Latin Quarter (French: Quartier latin).

What Makes Old Quebec Special?

Old Quebec is famous for its amazing history and unique buildings. It is the only walled city north of Mexico. This means it has old stone walls around it. These walls were built a long time ago to protect the city.

Exploring the Upper Town

The Upper Town (Haute-Ville) sits high on a cliff. It offers amazing views of the Saint Lawrence River. Many of the buildings here were built in the early 1800s. You can find grand buildings like the Château Frontenac, which looks like a castle. It is actually a very famous hotel!

• Quebec City Hall: This important building was built in 1896. It is where the city's government works.
• Historic Architecture: Walking through Upper Town feels like being in an old European city. The streets are narrow and full of charm.

Discovering the Lower Town

The Lower Town (Basse-Ville) is at the bottom of the cliff, right by the river. This part of Old Quebec is even older. Many buildings here date back to the 1600s and 1700s. It was once a busy port and market area.

• Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church: Built in 1687, this church is one of the oldest stone churches in North America. It is a beautiful example of early architecture.
• Place Royale: This historic square is considered the birthplace of French America. It is where Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608.

Why is Old Quebec a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Old Quebec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. UNESCO is an organization that protects important places around the world. Old Quebec is special because it is a great example of a fortified colonial city. It shows how European cities were built in North America. Its history and unique look make it a treasure for everyone.

Getting Around Old Quebec

Old Quebec is easy to explore on foot. You can walk through its charming streets and discover hidden gems. There is also a funicular, which is like a small cable car. It connects the Upper Town and the Lower Town.

Transportation Hub: Gare du Palais

Gare du Palais is a beautiful old train station in Old Quebec. It is a place where you can catch trains and buses. This station connects Old Quebec to other cities in Canada. It is a great example of old architecture.

Images for kids

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  Most of the buildings in Upper Town date to the early 19th century.

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  Erected in 1896, Quebec City Hall is situated in Upper Town.

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  Erected in 1687, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is one of many buildings in Lower Town dating back to the 17th and 18th century.

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  A UNESCO World Heritage Site monument in Old Quebec. The organization designated the area a World Heritage site in 1985.

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  Gare du Palais is an intermodal transportation hub situated in Old Quebec. It provides access to Via Rail trains, and Orléans Express coach service.

See also

In Spanish: Centro histórico de Quebec para niños