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The Shrine of Notre-Dame de Rocamadour, a non-profit organization founded in 2017, is housed in Saint-Fidèle church located in the Limoilou district of the city of Québec. The Shrine offers permanent tourist activities of international scope. Its flagship purpose is the creation of an immersive multimedia experience that highlights the historical and architectural heritage of the Shrine and of Limoilou.

The history of Notre-Dame de Rocamadour Shrineand of the district of Limoilou played an important role in the events that led to the creation of New France. Indeed, it was on this territory that the explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew spent the first known winter of the French in Canada.

Cartier's encounter with the Haudenosaunee Nations(Iroquois) during this extremely difficult winter was instrumental in saving several of his sailors from scurvy. The captivatingvisual and audio presentation aims to take you on their amazing journey. Through this unique experience, you will be immersed in a universe that oscillates between mystery andreality, a first of this scale in eastern Québec.

History

The history of Notre-Dame de Rocamadour Shrine and the district of Limoilou played an important role in the events that led to the creation of New France. Indeed, it is on this territory that the explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew spent the first known winter of the French in Canada. Cartier's encounter with the Haudenosaunee Nations during this extremely difficult stay was instrumental in saving several of his sailors from scurvy.

Heritage

Saint-Fidèle Church, a major work of architect Adrien Dufresne,was built between 1952 and 1954. It is composed of a triangulated system of concrete beams forming 45-degree arches from two ridge beams spaced a few feet apart and supported by paired columns.

Its style is inspired by the French architect Dom Paul Bellot, who advocated the importance of line and form, for "It is form that speaks to the intelligence," he wrote.

Inside the Shrine, one can find a large historical painting by artist Antonio Masselotte reconstructing an event that took place in 1536, not far from this church, on the site of the present Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site (usually called "Cartier-Brébeuf Park"). The painting shows Jacques Cartier and his crew members walking in procession towards a tree with a picture of Notre-Dame de Rocamadour placed on its trunk.

Culture

Limoilou is characterized by streets lined with majestic trees, narrow alleyways where children gather to play, and old-fashioned brick buildings with their spiral staircases. Very popular with young families and entrepreneurs, Limoilou is a warm and unique neighborhood in fullexpansion.

Walking down 3rd Avenue, between 2nd and 16th Streets, you'll find a wide variety of small businesses such as delicatessens, bakeries, cafés, craft stores, art galleries, tea rooms, ice cream parlors.

Artists of all styles are very present in the district. There is a circus training school, art galleries, production studios and creators of all kinds.Limoilou is a highly cultural and innovative neighborhood.

Spirituality

Coming soon...