 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|||
 |
Quebec City Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral 
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, Our Lady of Quebec City, is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic District of Old Québec and is a National Historic Site of Canada. It is also the oldest church in Canada. Standing on the site of a chapel constructed in 1633, construction on the first cathedral was started in 1647 and given the name Notre-Dame de la Paix. The building was destroyed during the Siege of Quebec by the British in 1759 and later by fire in 1922 and was restored after each occasion when each time it was rebuilt in a manner that maintained its previous architectural significance. In 1843, the building underwent a reconstruction of the façade which produced the finest Neo-classic façade in Québec. In 1874 it was the first church in Canada to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius IX (1846 – 1878). In 2014 the cathedral celebrated its 350th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, a holy door was constructed. This is a door which is sealed so that it cannot be opened, except during a Jubilee year when it is ceremoniously opened. The basilica features a Neo-classic facade, inspired by the church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris and is characterized by its symmetrical design and classical columns. The Bell Tower is on the south side of the building and rises to a height of 220 feet (67 meters) and houses a set of eight bells, The interior is richly adorned with sculptures, paintings, and stained-glass windows.  The vaulted ceiling is adorned with frescoes and depicts various religious scenes. The side aisles contain stained-glass windows depicting biblical stories and scenes from the lives of saints. The light fitting in the chancel located near the high altar, was a gift from the king of France Louis XIV (1643-1715), which he presented to the basilica as a symbol of royal patronage and support for the church. Despite the devastating fire in 1922 that destroyed much of the basilica's interior, the chancel lamp survived. Within the chancel is the high altar which was constructed during the rebuilding period after the fire in 1922, and is richly adorned with sculptures, paintings, and intricate carvings.  Below the high altar, there is a bas-relief depicting The Last Supper, representing the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion. At the very top of the altar, is a depiction of the Virgin Mary being crowned by Christ, symbolizing her role as the Queen of Heaven. On either side of the altar are statues of saints and religious figures while above it is the baldachin and tabernacle modelled on the one in St Peter's Basilica, Rome. On the left side of the nave in front of the altar, is the pulpit.  Like the altar it was constructed during the restoration period following the fire in 1922. It is designed in the Rococo style and adorned with sculptures and carvings that depict various religious themes and figures. Along the side aisles are a number of side chapels dedicated to various saints, each chapel is adorned with beautiful artwork, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.  Chapels include: Saint Anne Chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, a popular chapel for prayers and devotions. It contains a statue of Saint Anne with Mary as a child. Holy Family Chapel is dedicated to the Holy Family, consisting of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is a place for families to come and pray for their loved ones and seek blessings. Saint Louis Chapel is at the end of the north sacristy, this chapel was added in 1916 and is known for its beautiful decorations and serene atmosphere. Funerary Chapel was added in the 1990s, and is dedicated to Monseigneur François de Laval, the founding father of the Catholic Church in Canada. His tomb is marked by a recumbent bronze statue honouring his significant contribution to the Catholic Church in Canada.   Beneath the basilica is the crypt which contains the burial place of four governors of New France and several bishops of Quebec, including François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec.
|
 |
|
 |
|||
All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
| Site Map |