LA FORTERESSE
LA FORTERESSE
The Citadelle de Québec has dominated Cap Diamant for almost two centuries. Built by the British army to resist an American attack that never came, this fortress, typical of 17th-century French fortifications, is known as the Gibraltar of the Americas.
A HISTORIC JEWEL
An integral part of the fortifications of Quebec City's old town, it stands on Cap Diamant, the city's highest natural point.
A National Historic Site of Canada since 1980, La Citadelle is located within the historic district of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
A historic jewel
- La Citadelle de Québec, built between 1820 and 1831, is a star-shaped stone fortress with five bastions. It includes various buildings to ensure self-sufficiency in the event of a siege, such as barracks, armories and a hospital built in 1840. Two buildings, the Cap Diamant redoubt (1693) and the powder magazine (1750), date from the French Regime. The idea of building a fortress on Cap Diamant dates back to Champlain in 1630, but it wasn't until after the Conquest of 1759 and a repulsed American attack in 1775 that the British erected a temporary citadel. The final edifice, inspired by Vauban, ensures the city's defense.
AN AUTHENTIC PLACE
- France's oldest preserved military building (1693)
- The Dalhousie Gate, the only authentic gate in Old Quebec not rebuilt for vehicular traffic
- La Casemate Est, home of the Royal 22e Régiment Museum
- Government House (1872)
Throughout its history, the fortress has played an important role in Québec City and Canadian history, through its unique architecture, military function and events such as the Québec Conferences, where military action to end the Second World War was discussed. Even today, La Citadelle is a diplomatic mecca, hosting a number of ceremonial events.
A LIVING FORTRESS
- La Citadelle de Québec is still home to an active garrison, bearing witness to its strategic and historic role. The Royal 22e Régiment perpetuates its military traditions and maintains a constant presence, offering visitors a unique glimpse of military life in a living fortress.
THE GARNISON
La Citadelle de Québec has been home to the Royal 22e Régiment since 1920. The Regiment's presence makes it a military garrison that is still active today.
The Royal 22e Régiment at La Citadelle fulfills military, historical and ceremonial roles, maintains the fortress and hosts international meetings.
A century-old military presence
The Royal 22ᵉ Régiment has been based at the Citadelle of Québec for over a century, an uninterrupted presence that makes it one of the oldest military garrisons still active in Canada. Since 1920, the Regiment has played a central role here, embodying the continuity of the French-speaking military tradition in a highly symbolic location. This enduring presence contributes to making La 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 to the rhythm of military missions, official commemorations and major milestones in the life of the Regiment.
An active garrison
Today, La Citadelle remains an operational military base. The Royal 22ᵉ Régiment conducts daily activities there related to training, strategic planning and operational readiness. Soldiers are trained, deployed, and sometimes honored at landmark ceremonies. This active role at the heart of a unique historic site perfectly illustrates the balance between military function and living heritage. Military activity is very real here: changing of the guard, exercises, logistics, administration - all the essential functions of a modern regiment are represented, enabling La Citadelle to remain fully rooted in the current realities of national defense.
Between duty and transmission
Beyond its military functions, the Royal 22ᵉ Régiment also plays a leading role in showcasing and transmitting Canadian military history. Visitors can discover exhibits, attend demonstrations or observe military traditions during special events. In this way, the Regiment helps to keep 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 La Citadelle a rare uniqueness, where memory and action reinforce each other.
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CEREMONIES
As the home of the Royal 22e Régiment, La Citadelle de Québec is the scene of emblematic military ceremonies linked to the life of the Regiment. These include battalion changes of command and the induction of the descendants of the Batisse goat, the Regiment's official mascot. These solemn ceremonies take place on the parade ground, punctuated by the sound of the regimental band.
TRADITIONS
Remembering
The Royal 22e Régiment Book of Remembrance contains the names of the men and women of the Regiment who have died in the line of duty. Kept in the Memorial at La 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.
TRADITIONS
Discover the midday cannon shot
Every day, at noon, a cannon shot is fired from La Citadelle, echoing throughout the fortress and parts of the city.
This tradition at La Citadelle dates back to the installation of the Royal Canadian Artillery garrison in 1871. At that time, two cannon shots were fired every day. The first, at noon, enabled the town's inhabitants to synchronize their watches, start their lunch break or mark the Angelus, the noon prayer. The second cannon shot, fired at 9:30 p.m., served as a curfew for the artillerymen and soldiers descending on the town. This tradition, taken over by the Royal 22e Régiment, ended in 1994.
The noon gunfire was reintroduced in 2008, to mark the 400th anniversary of Quebec City.
Visit the
fortress
Discover the Citadelle of Québec, an iconic fortress still in operation. Immerse yourself in its fascinating history, explore its ramparts and watch captivating military demonstrations. An immersive visit to the heart of Canada's military heritage awaits you!