The only fortified city north of Mexico City.
Photo : Ville de Québec
In December 1985, the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) added the historic district of Old Québec City to its
prestigious World Heritage List. Québec City became the only city
north of Mexico to receive this honor, one it shares with such
age-old cities as Tunis, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Rome, Florence,
Cracow, and Warsaw.
UNESCO added Québec City to the list in recognition of its universal value
and exceptional appeal. The historic district of Old Québec City is the cradle
of French civilization in North America and, through its architecture and
streetscapes, shows evidence of the role it has played as a capital city under
French, British, and Canadian rule.
An impregnable bastion for nearly three centuries, Québec City has preserved
the main components of its old defense system. Today, it is the only city in
North America surrounded by authentic fortifications.
The World Heritage List
The World Heritage List is comprised of various cultural and natural
treasures from all corners of the world-invaluable heritages worthy of
protection. UNESCO believes that these treasures belong to all of humanity as
the legacies of our common history and the most majestic offerings of nature.
Being named to the List brought Québec City increased notoriety and prestige.
It also gave the city call to recognize its responsibility toward the
international community and do everything to ensure the historic area's
preservation.
Place Royale, birthplace of the first
French colony in America.
Photo : Ville de Québec
The Organization of World Heritage Cities
The Organization of World Heritage Cities helps implement international
charters on the preservation of urban heritage through its information network
and the exchange of knowledge and experience on World Heritage management. The
organization's main mission is to improve the management of sites on UNESCO's
prestigious World Heritage List.