Place-Royale : Many Millennia of History

Few places in Quebec can claim to be as iconic as Place-Royale. With its elegant appearance and old-time atmosphere, it truly transports you back in time. No wonder it’s so popular with tourists!

But what stories lie behind its picturesque architecture? Does the way it looks today accurately reflect its evolution over the centuries? A closer look at its history reveals many little-known stories and unusual facts about this fascinating site...

This first station serves as an introduction, providing an overview of the events that marked Place-Royale’s history and how its form and function have changed over time.

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Panoramas

Place-Royale, 1608-1620

Champlain’s first Habitation was built in 1608 using materials found on site.

Place-Royale, 1620-1640

Champlain had his second Habitation built in 1623, using sturdier materials. The Kirke brothers, who captured Quebec in 1629, deliberately set the Habitation on fire upon their departure in 1632..

Place-Royale, 1640-1680

The building was rebuilt in 1633, but was now named the King’s Storehouse, as it served to store goods.

Place-Royale, 1680-1760

Following the building’s destruction in the fire of 1682, religious authorities had a church built on the same location. The name was changed several times before finally settling on “Notre-Dame-des-Victoires”.

Place-Royale, 1760-1850

The building was heavily damaged during the Conquest. It was rebuilt exactly as it was, then underwent several major changes, most notably to the roof, the bell turret and the interior.

Place-Royale, 1850-1970

Place-Royale changed very little between the mid-19th and 20th centuries, while the area around it changed significantly. The end of World War II marked the beginning of the sector’s decline.

Place-Royale, 1970-Aujourd'hui

An extensive restoration project was undertaken in Place-Royale during the 1970s. Buildings were restored, destroyed and rebuilt to recreate the architectural style from the era of New France.