Church of Our Lady of Victories, Quebec City, Roman Catholic church in Old Quebec, Canada
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is a small stone church on Place Royale in the lower town of Old Quebec, close to the St. Lawrence River. Its plain facade, tall arched windows, and steep roof fit neatly among the surrounding historic buildings on the cobbled square.
Construction began in 1687 on the site of Samuel de Champlain’s early trading post, and the first building was finished by 1723. It was heavily damaged in 1759 during the British bombardment, then rebuilt under François Baillairgé starting in 1816.
Local people still come here for weekday masses and religious ceremonies, so visitors may hear prayers or hymns while looking around. Inside, the model of the ship Brézé hangs from the ceiling and reflects the old link between faith and the sea trade that shaped the city.
Visitors usually arrive on foot because the streets around Place Royale are narrow and closed to most traffic. The church is open during the day, and a short stop inside fits easily into a walk through the lower town.
A small stone in the lower wall is said to be the place where Champlain’s first dwelling stood, often unnoticed by people walking past. The church also appears briefly in the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can, when Leonardo DiCaprio’s character passes through the square.
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