Global Treasures: Vieux-Quebec

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1119

UPC: 879061007187

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

On behalf of the French crown, in 1608 Samuel De Champlain established a fur trading post from which originated Quebec, a city that today looms over the Saint Lawrence River like a grandiose fortress. It is the birthplace of French culture in North America.

With its small towers and green glimmering roofs, the Chateau Frontenac majestically watches over the city, a castle-like hotel that was built and lavishly furnished in 1894 by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Quebec's upper city is encircled by a four-kilometre-long fortified wall that was alternately built upon by the French and the English. In former times, various gates barred entry to the fortress, but today they are wide open and welcome visitors into the well-preserved old town.

The Cathedrale Anglican symbolizes the English period of occupation. The Anglican Bishop's cathedral was inaugurated in the year 1804 and bears a strong resemblance to St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

At the Place Royale, Quebec's birthplace, is the tiny church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, and it was here that the early settlers worshipped with models of their ships that were later suspended by rope above the pews.

Quebec is truly a sparkling gem of French culture in North America.