The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire

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The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, is the largest church in the world, modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Built between 1985 and 1989 under the direction of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, it reaches a height of 158 meters and covers about 30,000 square meters. Despite its grand scale and capacity to hold 18,000 worshippers inside and many more outside, it is rarely filled to capacity.

The basilica is richly adorned with Italian marble, stained glass, and mosaics, and features a massive dome topped with the tallest cross in the world. It stands as a symbol of national pride and deep Catholic faith, although its construction cost sparked controversy given the country's economic challenges at the time. Pope John Paul II consecrated it in 1990, accepting it as a gift and linking it to the nation’s spiritual and cultural identity.

Surrounding gardens and vast esplanades add to its majestic presence, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.