⛪ Basilica of Our Lady of Peace Yamoussoukro
Ivory Coast
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest church in the world. Consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990, it was built at the initiative of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny in his hometown, which he made the political capital of Ivory Coast. Modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City but exceeding it in size, the basilica features 7,000 square meters of stained glass, an immense dome, and surrounding colonnades. Despite controversy over its cost, it stands as a remarkable monument of African Christianity.
Key Facts
- •Listed as the largest church in the world by the Guinness Book of Records
- •Consecrated by Pope John Paul II on September 10, 1990
- •Covers 30,000 square meters, larger than St. Peter's Basilica
- •Contains 7,000 square meters of stained glass from France
- •Built at an estimated cost of $300 million
Location
Coordinates: 6.8128, -5.2831
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