Martello Tower 1

Iconic Landmark of the Plains

Iconic landmarks of the Plains of Abraham, Quebec City’s Martello Towers were built between 1808 and 1812 as the first line of defense for the fortified city.

The structure was used for centuries in the Mediterranean to combat piracy and became very popular when in 1794 a tower situated on Corsica’s Cape Mortella held two Royal Navy ships in check for two days. Impressed with their effectiveness, the British decided to build them along their shore for protection against the French threat. By 1808, they had 73 of them.

In Québec City, mindful of the American threat, without waiting for London’s permission, Governor Craig authorized the construction of four Martello towers on the Quebec promontory, two of them—towers 1 and 2—on the Plains of Abraham. Towers 1, 2 and 3 were started in 1808 and completed in 1810, with tower 4 coming two years later. Although operational in the War of 1812, they remained unproven because Quebec was not attacked during the conflict.

Martello towers were also used in North America to defend the colonies. In all, 17 were built in Canada in the 19th century in Halifax, Québec City, Kingston and Saint John. 

Summer Rates

(Museum and Martello Tower 1)

• Access to permanent and temporary exhibitions, and to the Martello Tower 1, from July 1st to Labor Day

• Free admission on July 1st (Canada Day)