Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, Quebec City

Nestled in the heart of Old Québec, the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec stands as a testament to the city's rich religious heritage and architectural grandeur. This venerable church, the primatial church of Canada and seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Québec, has been a cornerstone of faith for over three centuries.

The Cathedral-Basilica, which was the first church in North America north of the Spanish colonies to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius IX in 1874, is renowned for its stunning beauty and historical significance. Built on the site of earlier churches, the current structure dates back to 1647, with several reconstructions following destructive fires, the most recent being in 1922.

Visitors are often captivated by the Cathedral's neoclassical facade, which gives way to an interior richly adorned with gold leaf, intricate wood carvings, and sacred art. The sanctuary houses an impressive baldachin, numerous works of art, and a crypt where several bishops and four governors of New France are interred.

One of the Cathedral's most remarkable features is its Holy Door, which is the only Holy Door outside of Europe and the seventh in the world. Opened during jubilee years, it serves as a pilgrimage site for many faithful, symbolizing a passage of reconciliation and spiritual renewal.

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical treasure. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989, further cementing its status as an invaluable piece of Québec's cultural landscape.