La Citadelle de Québec

La Citadel de Québec or the Québec Citadel is also referred to as the Gibraltar of the Americas. It is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Québec and visitors throng to it in millions every year. The Citadel has made it to the list of National Historic Sites of Canada. In 1985, the Historic District of Old Québec, including this British fortification of North America, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

La Citadel de Québec is located at the highest point of the city, Cap Diamant. This star-shaped imposing fortress has 25 buildings and has become a celebrated landmark in Québec. The fortress was built by the Duke of Wellington during the war of 1812 as he anticipated further hostilities from the US forces. It was during this period that Québec was at the heights of its glory and served as an important port.

The citadel was designed to withstand attacks on the city from the Plains of Abraham lying to the west and the St. Lawrence River below. It was also to serve as sanctuary for the garrison in case the city fell into the enemies’ hands. However, by the time the construction of the fortress was completed in 1832, the attacks on the city had already ceased. Since then La Citadel de Québec has served as a military base for the Royal 22nd Regiment. Today, the citadel holds the distinction of being the one of the largest North American fortresses that still has troops stationed within.

Since La Citadelle is an active military garrison, visitors are not allowed to visit it individually. You have to be part of a guided tour that will take you through the fortress. This tour lasts for an hour and it will provide you with some interesting facts about the American attacks, the various buildings in the fortress and the story of its construction. These tours are conducted daily and it is best to book in advance so as not to miss out on the excitement.

As you wander about the Citadelle, you will see guards dressed traditionally in black fur hats and bright red coats manning it and from June 24th to the first Monday of the September, you can see the grand ceremony if the changing of the guards at 10am. There is even a museum that showcases the military history of Québec spread over 300 years along with the story of the Royal 22nd Regiment.

The view from La Citadelle de Québec is that of the serene St Lawrence River and the adjoining Vieux Port. Sailboats can be seen gliding on the tranquil waters of the river and the fluttering of the sails amidst the buildings and houses make for a panoramic view indeed. However, this peaceful and serene view only reinforces the tumultuous past the city has had to face that lead to the birth of La Citadelle de Québec.