Séminaire de Québec is a historic religious and educational complex in Old Québec, beside Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Founded by François de Laval in 1663 to train priests, it later gave rise to Université Laval and now houses the university’s School of Architecture. Enter through the iron gate to see the courtyard, a large sundial and the outline of a 17th-century house once on the site. The grounds make a compact stop for learning about Québec’s early history; the Louis Hébert Monument stands outside on Rue des Remparts.
A seminary founded in 1663
François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, founded the Séminaire de Québec in 1663 to train priests for the colony. The institution grew into Université Laval in 1852. Today, the complex remains connected to education and houses Laval University’s School of Architecture.
The seminary stands beside Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Its stone buildings, courtyards and rising steeples mark a long period of use as a place of study and residence. The grounds offer a glimpse of the institution’s continuing role in Québec City.
What to look for in the courtyard
Inside the iron gate, informational signposts in French and English explain the site’s history. Look for the large sundial on the side of a building and the outline of the home that once stood here. The ground markings trace the former house of Guillemette Hébert, daughter of Louis Hébert, and Marie Rollet. Hébert sold the land to Laval.
The Louis Hébert Monument is outside the seminary, on Rue des Remparts. The grounds are also a place to notice the complex’s stonework and the buildings around the courtyard.
Entering the grounds
The entrance is through an iron gate near the left side of the basilica, on Rue de Baude. It can be easy to pass because there are no signs inviting visitors in. Once inside, follow the courtyard signposts for context on the buildings and the people connected with the site.
During summer, tours run by Musée de l’Amérique francophone, based within the seminary grounds, pass some of the seminary buildings. Parts of the site have been under renovation, so access to areas can be affected.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the entrance to Séminaire de Québec?
Enter through the iron gate near the basilica on Rue de Baude. The entrance is not marked with an invitation to visit.
What can you see at Séminaire de Québec?
See the courtyard, a large sundial, the ground outline of the former Hébert home and informational signposts in French and English. The Louis Hébert Monument is outside on Rue des Remparts.
Are there tours of Séminaire de Québec?
During summer, tours run by Musée de l’Amérique francophone pass some of the seminary buildings.
What is Séminaire de Québec used for today?
The complex houses Laval University’s School of Architecture.
