St. Joseph Cathedral | Ouidah

Information

Landmark: St. Joseph Cathedral
City: Ouidah
Country: Benin
Continent: Africa

St. Joseph Cathedral, Ouidah, Benin, Africa

St. Joseph Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city of Ouidah, Benin.

It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotonou.

Visual Characteristics

The cathedral is constructed primarily from red brick. It features a single, tall bell tower at the front, topped with a cross. The facade is characterized by arched windows and doorways. The roof is pitched and covered with corrugated metal sheeting.

Location & Access Logistics

The cathedral is situated in the center of Ouidah. It is accessible via the main paved road, Route Nationale 1 (RN1). The distance from Cotonou is approximately 40 kilometers west. On-site parking is available within the cathedral grounds. Public transport, including shared taxis and buses traveling along RN1, can be used to reach Ouidah.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of St. Joseph Cathedral began in 1947 and was completed in 1952. It was built under the direction of Bishop Louis Parisot. The original purpose was to serve as a central place of worship for the Catholic community in Ouidah and surrounding areas.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can attend religious services. The architecture of the building itself is a point of interest. The grounds offer space for quiet contemplation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the cathedral complex. Limited shade is provided by trees on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available in Ouidah. Food vendors are typically found in the central market area of Ouidah, a short walk from the cathedral.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions on the facade. The dry season, from November to April, generally provides the most pleasant weather for visiting.