The largest church building in Africa, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, is located in Yamoussoukro the capital of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
The basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 for an estimated $600 million.
The basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 for an estimated $600 million.
The cornerstone was laid on August 10, 1985, and it was consecrated on September 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II, who had just formally accepted the basilica as a gift from President Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Côte d'Ivoire on behalf of the Catholic Church.
Houphouët-Boigny chose his birthplace of Yamoussoukro to be the future site of the new capital city of his country in 1983.
As part of the plan for the city, the president wanted to memorialise himself with the construction of what he called the greatest church in the world.
As part of the plan for the city, the president wanted to memorialise himself with the construction of what he called the greatest church in the world.
He is even pictured beside Jesus in one stained-glass panel ascending to heaven.
Due to the location of the Basilica, it was dubbed by the media as the "Basilica in the Bush". Houphouët-Boigny believed it would become a pilgrimage site for African Catholics. #HistoryVille
Due to the location of the Basilica, it was dubbed by the media as the "Basilica in the Bush". Houphouët-Boigny believed it would become a pilgrimage site for African Catholics. #HistoryVille
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