Séminaire de Québec

The Séminaire de Québec is a historic Catholic institution in the Old Town of Québec City, founded in 1663 by François de Laval, the first bishop of Newfoundland. The seminary originally trained young men for the priesthood and for missionary work in North America. Over time it grew into a comprehensive educational center that also took in a minor seminary for the sons of settlers and for Indigenous youth. This school laid the foundation for the later creation of Université Laval, the first Catholic French-language university in North America, which was recognized by royal charter in 1852. To this day the institution includes a major seminary for priests, a vocations center, and theological study programs, and it is closely tied to the history of the Catholic Church in the region.

The historic site on Rempart Street is made up of an ensemble of buildings dating from the French colonial period to the 20th century. The oldest part, the Vieux-Séminaire, follows the architectural style of 17th-century French colleges. The ensemble is complemented by later buildings such as the Camille-Roy Building, whose towers fly the flag bearing the founder's coat of arms, and the Jean-Olivier-Briand Building, which now houses the priests' residence and the major seminary. The site has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada since 1929. Visitors can admire the architectural variety of the grounds, which today serve both as a training center for Roman Catholic priests and as an event venue, for example through the restored graduation hall in the Camille-Roy Pavilion.