Built in Second Empire style, the Quebec Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement in French) houses the Parliament of Quebec. The eight floor building was designed by architect Eugene-Etienne Tache and bears a strong resemblance to the Philadelphia City Hall. It opened in 1866, standing at 171 ft in Place de l’Assemblee Nationale outside the walls of Old Quebec.  The interesting façade of the building shows a pantheon which represents a number of significant personalities and events through Quebec’s history. The building has four wings which form a square. Above the main entrance are the words “Je Me Souviens” engraved – with these words eventually becoming Quebec’s motto.

Visitors can take a tour of Parliament Building to view the National Assembly Chamber where provincial parliament members sit, famous for its Renaissance architecture, as well as the Legislative Council Chamber. The building is also home to the National Assembly Library, founded in 1802, with impressive collections made up of books in the fields of history, law and political science. A number of rare books dating back to the 15^th century are also part of this library. The gardens surrounding the Parliament Building feature many species of trees, shrubs and plants native to Quebec.  The building was recognized as a Quebec National Historical Monument in 1985.

The Café du Parlement, located on the ground floor of the building, is the perfect spot to enjoy light meals, snacks and sandwiches.