The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro

In 1983, Félix Houphouët-Boigny chose his birthplace of Yamoussoukro to be the site of the new capital city. As part of the plan for the city, he wanted to memorialize himself with the construction of the basilica. This grand structure, spanning 30,000 square metres and reaching a height of 158 metres, is listed by Guinness World Records as the largest church in the world. It can accommodate 18,000 worshippers and its design took inspiration from the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.

The structure was built by the French company Dumez between 1985 and 1989. Various groups have provided different cost estimates for the construction, stating it cost US$175 million, US$300 million, or as high as US$600 million. The cornerstone was laid on 10 August 1985. On 10 September 1990, the basilica was consecrated by Pope John Paul II, who accepted it as a gift from Houphouët-Boigny on behalf of the Catholic Church.

Today, the basilica is administered by Polish Pallottines at a cost of US$1.5 million annually. It features a dome with a diameter of 90 metres and is furnished with 8,400 square metres of contemporary stained glass from France. While it is a major site of worship, it is not to be confused with the nearby Cathedral of Saint Augustine, which serves as the seat of the bishop of the diocese.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons