THE FORTRESS
THE FORTRESS
The Citadelle of Quebec has dominated Cap Diamant for almost two centuries. Built by the British army to resist an American attack that ultimately never came, this fortress, typical of 17th-century French fortifications, is known as the Gibraltar of the Americas.
A HISTORICAL GEM
An integral part of the fortifications of Old Quebec, it is located on Cap Diamant, the highest natural point in the city.
A National Historic Site of Canada since 1980, the Citadel is located within the historic district of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
A historical gem
- The Citadelle of Quebec, constructed between 1820 and 1831, is a star-shaped stone fortress with five bastions. It includes various buildings ensuring its self-sufficiency in the event of a siege, such as barracks, armories, and a hospital established in 1840. Two buildings, the Cap Diamant Redoubt (1693) and the powder magazine (1750), date back to the French Regime. The idea of building a fortress on Cap Diamant dates back to 1630 with Champlain, but it was only after the Conquest of 1759 and a repelled American attack in 1775 that the British erected a temporary citadel. The final structure, inspired by Vauban, ensures the defense of the city.
AN AUTHENTIC SITE
- The oldest French military building still preserved (1693).
- Dalhousie Gate, the only authentic gate in Old Quebec that was not rebuilt for automobile traffic.
- The East Casemate, home to the Royal 22e Régiment Museum.
- The Residence of the Governor General of Canada (1872).
Throughout its history, the fortress has played an important role for the city of Quebec and the history of Canada, whether through its unique architecture, its military function, or the events that take place there, such as the Quebec Conferences, where military actions to end the Second World War were discussed. Even today, the Citadelle is a hub for diplomacy, hosting many protocol events.
A LIVING FORTRESS
- The Citadelle of Quebec still houses an active garrison today, reflecting its strategic and historical role. The Royal 22e Régiment perpetuates its military traditions and ensures a constant presence, offering visitors a unique glimpse of military life within a living fortress.
THE GARRISON
The Citadelle of Quebec has been the home of the Royal 22e Régiment since 1920. The Regiment's presence makes it a military garrison that is still active today.
At the Citadelle, the Royal 22e Régiment fulfills military, historical, and ceremonial roles, maintains the fortress, and hosts international meetings.
A Century-Old Military Presence
The Royal 22nd Regiment has been stationed at the Citadelle of Quebec for over a century, an uninterrupted presence that makes it one of the oldest active military garrisons in Canada. Since 1920, the Regiment has occupied a central role there, embodying the continuity of the French-speaking military tradition in a highly symbolic location. This lasting presence contributes to making the Citadelle much more than a heritage site: it remains a living space, in constant activity, where past and present meet. The site, steeped in history, continues to evolve with the rhythm of military missions, official commemorations, and major milestones in the Regiment's life.
A Garrison Still in Operation
Today, the Citadelle remains an operational military base. The Royal 22nd Regiment conducts daily activities there related to training, strategic planning, and operational readiness. Soldiers are trained there, deployed, and sometimes honored during significant ceremonies. This active role in the heart of a unique historical site perfectly illustrates the balance between military function and living heritage. Military activity is very real there: changing of the guard, exercises, logistics, administration—all the essential functions of a modern regiment are represented, which allows the Citadelle to remain fully anchored in the current realities of National Defence.
Between Duty and Transmission
Beyond its military functions, the Royal 22nd Regiment also plays a leading role in promoting and transmitting Canadian military history. Visitors can discover exhibitions, attend demonstrations, or observe military traditions during special events. The Regiment thus contributes to keeping the collective memory alive by offering privileged access to a site that is still active. This duality—between active military mission and heritage vocation—gives the Citadelle a rare singularity, where memory and action mutually reinforce each other.
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CEREMONIES
As the home of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the Citadelle of Quebec is the stage for emblematic military ceremonies related to the Regiment's life. These significant events include battalion change of command ceremonies and the induction of the descendants of the goat Batisse, the Regiment's official mascot. These solemn ceremonies take place on the parade ground, punctuated by the sound of its fanfare.
THE TRADITIONS
Remember
The Royal 22nd Regiment's Book of Remembrance contains the names of the Regiment's men and women who died in service. Kept in the Memorial at the Citadelle, the tradition is to turn a page of the Book every day. The sergeant on duty then reads aloud each name inscribed on that page.
THE TRADITIONS
Discover the noon gun
Every day at noon, a cannon shot is fired from the Citadelle, resounding throughout the fortress and in parts of the city.
This tradition at the Citadelle dates back to the installation of the Royal Canadian Artillery garrison in 1871. At that time, there were two cannon shots per day. The first, at noon, allowed the city's inhabitants to synchronize their watches, start their lunch break, or mark the Angelus, the midday prayer. The second cannon shot, fired at 9:30 p.m., served as a curfew for the artillerymen and soldiers who had gone downtown. This tradition, taken over by the Royal 22nd Regiment, ended in 1994.
The noon gun was reinstated in 2008, as part of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.
Visit the
fortress
Discover the Citadelle de Québec, an iconic fortress that is still active. Immerse yourself in its fascinating history, explore its ramparts, and witness captivating military demonstrations. An immersive visit to the heart of Canadian military heritage awaits you!