Summary
RP63+GC4, Rue de St.France, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
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Phone: +225 27 30 6 41021
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Although few people have heard of it, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the world’s largest church. Commissioned by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of the Ivory Coast, it was intended as a memorial to himself. This grand basilica was part of Houphouët-Boigny’s vision to transform his hometown, Yamoussoukro, into the country’s administrative capital. Recognized as a Catholic minor basilica by the Pope, it is locally known as Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix.
Construction & Cost
The basilica’s cornerstone was laid in 1985, with completion in 1989. On September 10, 1990, Pope John Paul II visited Yamoussoukro to accept the basilica as a gift on behalf of the Catholic Church. He consecrated the church with the hope that a hospital would also be established nearby to assist the region’s poor. However, construction of the hospital was delayed and ultimately halted during the civil war years, only opening its doors in 2015.
The basilica’s construction is known for its astronomical cost. Although the exact figure remains undisclosed, it is estimated to be around $300 million, significantly increasing the Ivory Coast’s national debt during a time of economic crisis. Critics have argued that this substantial sum could have been better allocated, particularly given the lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation faced by many Ivorians.
The Largest Church in the World
While not an exact replica, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace draws substantial influence from the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. Measuring over 640 feet (195 meters) in length and 518 feet (158 meters) in height, it holds the title of the largest church in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. The total area spans nearly 323,000 square feet (30,000 square meters). Notably, the architect opted for a dome lower than that of St. Peter’s Basilica; however, the addition of an enormous cross contributes to its impressive height.
Although it boasts the largest exterior, numerous other churches surpass it in internal volume. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace can accommodate 18,000 worshippers, while the Basilica of St. Peter has a capacity of 60,000.
Building Materials & Features
Designed by Lebanese-born architect Pierre Fakhoury, the basilica utilized Italian marble for its construction. It also features 75,000 square feet (7,000 square meters) of stunning contemporary stained glass created in France. Among the stained glass panels, Houphouët-Boigny is depicted alongside Jesus and the apostles. The pews in the nave are crafted from West African Iroko wood. The exterior showcases a circular colonnade comprising 272 Doric columns, with a separate rectory and papal villa completing the complex.
The Basilica Today
Pope Houphouët-Boigny envisioned the basilica as “the greatest church in the world,” aspiring for it to be a pilgrimage site for African Catholics. Nevertheless, the papal villa has remained vacant since the basilica’s consecration in 1990, and regular services attract only a few hundred attendees. Interestingly, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is not the main place of worship in Yamoussoukro; the Cathedral of Saint Augustine holds that distinction.
The basilica was filled to capacity only once, during Houphouët-Boigny’s funeral in February 1994. The church’s limited congregation may be attributed, in part, to a 2014 census indicating that only 17.2% of Ivorians identified as Catholic, with Islam being the predominant religion in the Ivory Coast. Nonetheless, the basilica remains a significant attraction for tourists and a source of pride for the local community.
How to Visit
The basilica is an impressive sight worth visiting, set against an otherwise barren backdrop. English-speaking guides are available for tours, with admission priced at CFA 2000 (approximately USD 3.50). Photographers should anticipate an extra fee of CFA 500. The basilica opens from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Saturday (closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), and on Sundays it is open from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
To reach the basilica from downtown Yamoussoukro, taxis are readily available. If personal transport is not an option, you can fly directly to Yamoussoukro (the basilica is a 20-minute drive from the airport) or take a UTB bus. Regular bus services link Yamoussoukro to the Ivory Coast’s economic capital, Abidjan. If you plan to stay overnight, the top-rated hotel in Yamoussoukro, Hotel President, is just a 10-minute drive away. However, reviews on TripAdvisor indicate that while the hotel features a swimming pool, golf club, and restaurant, cleanliness may be a concern.
