The capital of New France was established by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 on a plateau overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, a hill that later became known as Cap-aux-Diamants. In 1759, this city, which held strategic importance for trade between the two shores of the Atlantic, fell under British rule, a domination that soon expanded across Canada.
The population of Québec rapidly increased due to its bustling harbor, leading to the formation of two districts with distinct functions. The lower district, primarily a trading area, is the oldest part of the city, featuring houses from the 17th and 18th centuries and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. The upper district evolved into the center of administrative and religious life, home to monasteries of the Jesuits, Récollets, and Ursulines established in the 17th century.
As a result, Québec is a remarkable example of a fortified city in colonial North America and serves as a valuable witness to a significant period in the history of this continent. The historic district of Québec was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The authorities in Québec City are deeply committed to preserving and promoting all elements that make the old Québec district a monument within the World Heritage framework. Located in the city center, this historic area must balance the vibrant urbanization it faces with the mission of maintaining its unique character.
