Yamoussoukro Basilica: A national “Pride” in Côte d’Ivoire

Sunday 26 October 2025 - 09:30

By: Sahili Aya

Yamoussoukro Basilica: A national “Pride” in Côte d’Ivoire

Once controversial during its construction, the great Catholic church of Côte d’Ivoire’s political capital—modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome—has become a national symbol, drawing nearly 300,000 visitors every year.

Criticized and even mocked for its grandeur when it was built by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is now viewed as a source of pride for Ivorians. “At first, people complained—it was expensive, it took up so much space,” recalls Jude Khane, a local worshipper and prayer book seller. “But the president convinced us, and now it’s an emblem that attracts people from all over.”

Built on 130 hectares of land donated by Houphouët-Boigny himself, the basilica was inspired by St. Peter’s in Rome and designed by Ivorian-Lebanese architect Pierre Fakhoury. Construction lasted only three years, from 1986 to 1989, with 1,500 workers and 36 companies contributing. The church was consecrated on September 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II.

Standing 158 meters tall, with 100,000 tons of concrete and 7,367 square meters of stained glass, it holds records for size and beauty. The vast dome, marble esplanade, and 84 columns form an impressive architectural feat—“our own Eiffel Tower,” as one visitor puts it.

Though it once sparked criticism for its cost, today the basilica welcomes visitors from around the world. “It’s no longer just a church—it’s a symbol of who we are,” says Anne-Brigitte Acakpo, a guide. For many, Houphouët-Boigny’s “gift to God” has become a unifying monument of faith, art, and national pride.