Quebec Blog #22: The Breakneck Stairs!

Breakneck Stairs

In this Quebec City blog, you'll see the historic "Breakneck Stairs" and learn the history behind them.

WHAT ARE THE BREAKNECK STAIRS?  - There's an old outside staircase built in 1635, that consists of 59 steps, that descends from the Upper Town of Old Quebec into the lower town's main street of shopping. The stairs link  "côte de la Montagne" with (street) "rue du Petit-Champlain." It's the oldest stairway in the city! 
  In fact, in 1660, this staircase appears on a map of the village that grew into Québec City.
The stairs are very steep and have been worn down from time and usage. Apparently there have been a lot of accidents on them. Thus, they're called "the Breakneck Stairs of Old Quebec."
  According to quebecregion.com, the stairs have been restored several times since then, including once in 1889 by the city's celebrated architect and engineer Charles Baillargé. 

NEXT: An Amazing Overlook