Information
Landmark: Basilica of Our Lady of PeaceCity: Yamoussoukro
Country: Cote d-Ivoire
Continent: Africa
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Cote d-Ivoire, Africa
Overview
In Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast’s political and administrative capital, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace rises with pale stone that glows in the afternoon sun.Towering in scale and rich in design, it ranks among the world’s most breathtaking churches, with stone arches that seem to rise endlessly overhead.Let’s start with a few key details about the Basilica-like the sunlight spilling across its marble floor.Work on the project kicked off in 1985, with hammers echoing through the site, and wrapped up five years later in 1990.Architectural Influence: The basilica’s sweeping arches and grand dome draw heavily from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.Rising 158 meters-about 518 feet-the massive dome towers high enough to rank among the tallest in the world.The basilica ranks among the world’s largest churches, holding about 18,000 people at once, and spreading across roughly 30,000 square meters-nearly the size of seven football fields.Number two.Felix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire’s first president, built the basilica as a lasting symbol of peace, hoping its white stone walls would speak quietly to his nation.They built it as a place to pray and feel close to the divine, a quiet answer to the nation’s longing for unity and peace after years of unrest.Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace stands as a quiet symbol of hope and reconciliation, its white stone glowing in the afternoon sun.Number three.The massive architecture dome rises at the center, built with state-of-the-art technology and an open-plan design; its vast curve spans freely, making it one of the largest free-standing domes in the world.Inside the basilica, golden mosaics catch the light beside vivid stained glass and intricate religious scenes, blending Western Christian tradition with bold African artistry.The basilica was crafted from Italian marble and granite, its smooth surfaces catching the light with a quiet, elegant sheen.Number four.The basilica hosts masses, religious ceremonies, and other gatherings, filling its echoing halls with voices from both the town and far beyond.The site draws thousands of pilgrims, especially during holy days like Christmas, when candles line the stone steps, and Easter.Although it’s massive, it feels tucked away-Yamoussoukro doesn’t have the bustle or fame of Abidjan, where traffic hums and markets spill into the streets.Number five stood out in bold ink, like a small black pebble on a white page.The Basilica’s construction stirred heated debate, with critics insisting the vast funds-enough to build dozens of schools or stock hospital wards-should’ve gone toward education and healthcare instead.Supporters say it stands as a sign of the nation’s progress, drawing visitors who snap photos and, in turn, bringing global attention and money into the area.Number six.Tourists flock to the Basilica in Ivory Coast, drawn by its soaring white domes and grand marble halls.The building’s vast size and striking beauty stop most visitors in their tracks, like stepping into a hall where every footstep echoes.You can join a guided tour to explore its history, admire the intricate stonework, and learn about its deep spiritual meaning.Seven.Yamoussoukro has plenty to see nearby, including the Foundation Félix Houphouët-Boigny for Peace-a bright, airy cultural and research center honoring the country’s first president-and the towering Hôtel Président.Rising above Yamoussoukro with gleaming white domes, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace remains a towering emblem of faith, peace, and Côte d'Ivoire’s pride, still at the heart of the nation’s religious and cultural life.
