I had casually mentioned to the group I was working with that I was planning a trip to Quebec. Someone said that we should see Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Before I even had the chance to look up this place, another person had also mentioned this jewel of Quebec.
It was our first trip to Quebec, and we wanted to see the capital city of this great province. Beaupré was just a little further than Quebec City, so it was within reach. I visited the website for Sainte-Anne and immediately made this a priority stop.
When planning a road trip, some places we visit will be just places to stretch where there is something cool, and others are at the other end of the spectrum where we are dazzled. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is in a category of its own.
Charlene and I discovered architecture and art almost entirely by accident. We stumbled on a sign for Doors Open while touring in Ontario and learned of this amazing way of exploring culturally significant places. We learned that many churches have their doors open during special events and regular times. Although we have not been to church in some time, we have been enthralled with the beauty of the stained glass, architecture and art displays that can be found in many. We discovered that Catholic churches often have the best appeal, especially when it comes to grandeur. The thought is that if Man can create a beautiful thing like a cathedral, imagine what God can do in His infinite creativity.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré did inspire us. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is considered a basilica, meaning that it is the top of the top cathedrals, and it shows. The outside of the building is impressive in itself. Medieval looking, with a large fountain in the front that welcomes everyone to its beauty. A pathway along the hill across the street has the Stations of the Cross with impressive statuary. When we went inside, we started in the lower level, where a large number of chapels existed. Each of these would have been a destination to see on its own. These were very ornate and well designed. You could see the passion and appreciation of those who created these sanctuaries for the saints they represented. It seemed endless.
We would go to the main floor and see the colossal sanctuary; it stirred a wave of emotion. Never had we been in a place of devotion that inspired the passion of so many to build and maintain like we were at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
Whether you are Catholic or not, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré welcomes everyone for free. It is worth the short drive outside of Quebec City.
- I created a Featured Map on Google to see this destination and others. Use this to see what locations are near you.
- Official website of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
