Frommer's Review
This small but picturesque plaza is considered by Québécois to be the literal and spiritual heart of Basse-Ville -- in grander terms, the birthplace of French America. Royal Square is a short walk from the bottom of the funicular and Breakneck Stairs, via rue Sous-le-Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the town marketplace and the center of business and industry. Today, folk dances and other festive gatherings are often held near the bust of Louis XIV in the center.
The Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Victoires dominates the plaza. The oldest stone church in Québec, it was built in 1688 after a massive fire in Lower Town destroyed 55 homes in 1682, and then was restored in 1763 and 1969. Its paintings, altar, and large model boat suspended from the church ceiling were votive offerings brought by early settlers to ensure safe voyages. The church is open daily to visitors May through October. Sunday Masses are held at 10:30am and noon.
All the buildings on the square have been restored, although some of the walls are original. For years, there was only an empty lot behind the stone facade on the northeast side, but now it is a whole building again. On the ground floor is the Centre d'Interprétation de Place-Royale. Inside, a 20-minute multimedia show and other exhibitions detail the city's 400-year history and the development of the plaza. Guided tours of the area are available from the interpretation center in both English and French. Walk past the Centre on your left and at the end of the block turn around to view a trompe l'oeil mural depicting citizens of the early city.
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