Historic District of Old Québec
Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in
the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have
preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and
defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built
on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with
its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt,
the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its
ancient districts, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best
examples of a fortified colonial city.