It has been said that it is possible to learn the history of a city by examining the local architecture. This truism certainly applies to Québec City, whose architectural history can be seen on all the buildings from Place-Royale to the outskirts of the modern city. Here is a (very) short overview of Québec City's architecture.

Traditional French Architecture
(1608-1759)

At the beginning of the colony, there was little to distinguish between rural and urban houses. Over time, different factors gradually influenced the construction of dwellings, including a better understanding of the area and harsh winter, increased landowner wealth and new building regulations.

A major fire occurring during the night of August 4-5, 1682, destroyed the majority of the buildings in Place-Royale, a total of fifty-five buildings. The decision was made to rebuild on the same lots; however, new regulations were adopted, which remained in effect until 1720. In addition to setting out the proper manner in which to align houses, these regulations stated that all houses must have walls made of limestone or sandstone, have

   two storeys, be semi-detached and have double-sloped roofs with an incline of about 52°.Ordinances by
   intendants Bégon (1721) and Dupuy (1727) established urban construction guidelines and gave the city
   a more carefully structured development plan.

   Houses of note Jacquet (1679), Louis Jolliet (1683), Fornel (1724), Barbel (1755) et Estèbe (1751).
   Principal architects : Claude Baillif, François de la Joue, Gaspard Chaussegros de Léry, Jean Maillou et
   Jean Baillargé.

   Urban Architecture (between 1760 and 1790)

   Nearly 180 houses were destroyed or seriously damaged during the bombardments of 1759. Responsibility for
   reconstructing these buildings in traditional French architecture was left to the only French craftsmen
   remaining in the colony.

   Urban Architecture (after 1790)

   Several styles from different periods influenced the architecture of houses and official buildings in Québec City,
   many of which have stood the test of time and can still be seen today. No fewer than 11 architectural styles
   from the end of the 18^th century to modern times have been identified in Québec City.

1. Classical Revival (1790-1820)
2. Neo-Classicism (1820-1850)
3. Neo-Gothic (1850-1860)
4. Neo-Italian Renaissance (1860-1880)
5. Neo-French Renaissance (Second Empire) after 1875
6. Neo-Baroque (1890-1920)
7. Eclecticism (High Victoria)
8. Chateau Style (Châteaux in the Loire)
9. Beaux Arts Style
10. Art Deco (after 1925)
11. International Style (1930-1965)

   For example, Neo-Classicism (1820-1850) was influenced by the archeological discoveries at Pompeii and
   Herculanum. In Québec City, buildings designed in this style are imitations of European works and incorporate
   elements from antique cultures. Characteristics of Neo-Classicism include an emphasis on symmetry, smooth
   facades, a monumental portico and the more important rooms being located on the second floor as opposed to
   the first (étage noble). The episcopal palace (1844), the facade of the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-   Cathedral (1843) and Trinity Church (1824) are good examples of Neo-Classicism.

   Art Deco Style (after 1925) was directly inspired from the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative
   Arts in Paris, where a style characterized by highly geometrical designs was introduced. The main forms of
   ornamentation used consist of large vertical spaces, varied wrought iron shapes and sculptures representing
   regional themes. The Price Building (1929), Québec City's first skyscraper, the nearby Hotel Clarendon (1930)
   and Palais Montcalm (1932) are examples of Art Deco Style.

   To see more of Québec City's architectural styles, simply visit the city's various neighbourhoods and districts.

   Principal architects by style or period :
   (1) François Baillargé, Jérôme Demers (2) Thomas Baillargé, Frederick Hacker, George Blaiklock (3) Charles
   Baillargé, Edward Staveley, G. Richardson Browne (4) Charles Baillargé, Joseph Ferdinand Peachy (5) Eugène
   Taché, Joseph Ferdinand Peachy (6) F.-X. Berlinguet, René F. Lemay (7) Joseph Ferdinand Peachy, David
   Ouellet, Jean-Pierre Ouellet (8) W.H. Lynn, Bruce Price (9) Wilfrid Lacroix, Louis-Napoléon Audet, Raoul
   Chenevert (10) and (11) Not indicated.

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