Chateau Ramezay

The Château Ramezay in Montreal's Old Town is considered one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. It was built in 1705 as the residence of then-governor Claude de Ramezay. This protected townhouse from the era of New France stands out for its light gray limestone walls, a vaulted basement level, and a gabled roof accented by a small turret on the left side of the facade. After an eventful history that included use as a governor's residence, a courthouse, and even a university branch, the building passed into the city's ownership in 1895. Today it houses an ethnological museum and a portrait gallery that give you a deep look into local cultural history. The collection comprises around 30,000 objects, including historic works of art, everyday items used by the French-Canadian population, and ethnological artifacts of the Indigenous peoples. The offerings are rounded out by coin collections, photographs, and an extensive library. Behind the building, a French-style garden invites you to linger in peace and quiet.