The Citadelle of Québec and its fortified past

Its creation during the French occupation

In 1690, under the orders of Louis de Buade, Duke of Frontenac, a first wall was built around the city of Quebec, like the Château de Frontenac. A few months later, the walls proved very useful when the English fleet attacked Quebec. Fearing a more serious attack, as had been the case for centuries on the other side of the Atlantic, construction of a new wall began in 1693. It was supposed to be bigger, stronger and more reassuring for New France. However, it remained... unfinished. Between 1700 and 1720, the landscape of Quebec City was transformed. Here and there, the beginnings of fortifications sprang up in the landscape.

However, they were often abandoned in favour of the development of the city of Montreal, which the metropolis considered to be more important. The city's skyline was inadequate, disharmonious and unprotected. It wasn't until 1745, following the panic caused by the surrender of Louisbourg, that a proper fortified masonry wall was built.

Fortifications built during the British occupation

Later, during the British occupation of Quebec, many star-shaped fortifications, as we know them today, were built. Built in 1820 and 1832, these were French-inspired. The fortifications served as a refuge for British troops, but also as protection against potential attacks from Europe or the United States. The geographical position of the walls around the city gave Quebec a majestic and impenetrable appearance. To this day, the Citadelle has been very well preserved, as a number of personalities have made it their private home for many years. In fact, it has been renovated and preserved. Inhabitants of this atypical place include Lord Dufferin, like the Dufferin terraces in front of the Château de Frontenac, and the Governor General of Canada. It has been a Canadian historic site since 1980.

Just behind the Governors' Promenade, the citadel is made up of several points that give it the appearance of a star when viewed from above. In the middle of the fortress is the parade ground. The entire building is made up of bastions and ravelins, fortification systems. Architecture buffs will recognise the Mann, Prince of Wales, Dalhousie, West, Richmond, North and King's bastions.

Today, La Citadelle is the headquarters of Canada's Royal 22nd Regiment. It is the only French-speaking infantry regiment in the Regular Force of the Canadian Armed Forces. Since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the regiment has been under the command of King Charles III. Many national events are held at the Citadelle of Québec, including the country's national holidays. The Citadelle's mission is also to preserve certain military traditions, such as the changing of the guard, which is not to be missed, the retirement ceremony and the noon gunfight.

Admire the changing of the guard

As at Buckingham Palace in London, the Royal Guard is changed every 24 hours. The ceremony only lasts a few minutes, but it's very impressive to watch!

Discover the Royal 22e Régiment Museum

This large museum occupies 3 buildings at the Citadelle of Québec: the former powder magazine, the former military prison and the east casemate. Founded in 1914, the museum has more than 100 years of history to its credit. To mark its 100th anniversary in 2014, the museum was expanded, to the delight of history buffs.

Within the museum, you can visit

• A large permanent exhibition retracing the 100 years of the Royal 22e

  Régiment;

• temporary exhibitions ;
• a medals room;
• educational areas;
• the ancient vaults built between 1820 and 1831 ;
• and much more.

Find out more about the programme of activities and exhibitions on the Citadelle of Québec website.

🍴 Apsara Restaurant

Superb Thai restaurant a stone's throw from the historic monument.