I dont know if you are like me but when I travel, I love to discover unusual sights—sometimes strange, sometimes unique—but always those little details that make a place interesting. Here’s the second part of the unusual things you can find in Old Quebec.
Québec City is filled with hidden gems that only the truly curious can uncover. Below is a list of a few of these secrets that somes eyes might catch. I won’t spoil the experience, but this will give you a glimpse of what you might miss!
Egyptian Amulets Dated from 664 to 524 BC
Found in Quebec city ground! Where : îlot des Palais
One of the lesser-known yet fascinating spots in Quebec City is the Ilot des Palais. Just a two-minute walk from La Gare du Palais train station, this site reflects one of the most powerful locations in colonial Quebec. It was once home to the Intendant of New France and also housed Canada’s first brewery, established in 1668.
In 2009, archaeology students from University laval made a remarkable discovery: a fragment of a turquoise Egyptian amulet, originally crafted between 664 and 525 BC. This object, used in ancient times for the protection of the dead, was likely a curiosity or collector's item during the New France era. They did found 4 . You might wonder how such artifacts ended up in Quebec. Is this the start of a new episode of Stargate SG-1? Not quite!
In colonial time it was not uncommon to see people get curious collection of thing "borrow"wink wink" somewhere else. Archeo believe that these amulets were probably brought by a figures from New France. They are actual shown itoo the museum along side plenty of other artifact interesting or unusual like the bones of a poddle dogs.
The Îlot des Palais is a hidden gem that many travelers overlook (because they dont know the place). While it’s not a large museum, if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and perhaps do a geo rally in town, I definitely recommend checking it out!
The Two Wallace Fountains
A taste of Paris in Quebec city
Where: one at the intersection of Grande-Allée and rue Cartier; another on rue Saint-Paul, by the turning to ruelle Légaré
Did you know that Quebec City is home to not one, but two charming Wallace fountains, linking it to the iconic streets of Paris? Gifted during the 1998 Paris-Quebec Symposium, these fountains symbolize the enduring friendship between the two cities and add a touch of European flair to North America. Originating idea of those fountain is from the generosity of Sir Richard Wallace who famously donated 50 fountains to Paris after witnessing the city's water crisis during the 1870 siege.Parisians enjoy over 107 in their city but we have 2 here. The sculpture of the four women represents allegories of kindness, charity, sobriety, and simplicity.
Paris 14 july 1911 -Bibliothèque nationale de France
This urban art continues to provide free drinking water to many Parisians. And let’s be honest, we need it too during those hot summer days!
The fountains gifted to Quebec City is identical to many of Wallace fountains found throughout Paris, 1 located at the northwest corner of Rue Cartier and Grande Allée and one other on rue saint paul near the train station.
The Different Shoreline Times
The river was closer than you think Where: Rue Saint-Antoine
If you’re walking down Rue Saint-Antoine in the Old Port, keep your eyes open for a quirky historical surprise beneath your feet! Three distinct shorelines from 1600, 1700, and 1800 are marked right on the pavement. It’s like a history lesson you can walk on! Thanks to some serious landfilling , most of this area near the ferry was actually filled. So as you stroll along, just remember: you’re literally walking on what used to be the St. Lawrence River! Talk about making waves !
The Cage of La Corriveau
A witch or a killer? The infamous artefact of Quebec past
Quebec's folklore is rich with legends, and one of the most captivating is that of Marie-Josephte Corriveau, affectionately known as La Corriveau. Convicted of murdering her husband and hanged in 1763, her dead body was famously displayed in a suspended metal cage during 40 days in Lévis—a chilling sight that has inspired countless interpretations.
This illustration, created by Henri Julien (1852-1908), appears in a 1916 edition of Les Anciens Canadiens by Philippe Aubert de Gaspé.
A Canadian post stamp of La Corriveau The cage was discovered at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem and is now featured in a new exhibition at the Musée de la Civilisation. Some claim she was a witch or even a seven-time widow, but the truth might be simpler: a woman pushed to her limits in a troubled marriage. Writers like Philippe Aubert de Gaspé and various writer, music bands have revisited her story, often giving it a darker spin. Today, La Corriveau’s legacy continues to intrigue and captivate !
I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Museum of Civilisation, which is filled with numerous artifacts and offers a great insight into Quebec's history (from the first nations to what is Quebec today).
I will update this post in the following days!
If you want to learn more about Quebec city I suggest to book my walking tour while you are here!
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