About Yamoussoukro, Republique Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast):
Yamoussoukro has been the official political and administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire since March 1983, when it was designated by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, his birthplace. Despite this designation, the majority of government ministries, administrative offices, and foreign embassies remain in the coastal city of Abidjan, which continues to serve as the country’s economic and de facto capital. As of 2021/2026 data, the population of the autonomous district is over 420,000.
Catholic places of interest in Yamoussoukro, Republique Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast):
The primary Catholic place of interest in Yamoussoukro is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix), a massive architectural landmark and the largest church in the world. Consecrated in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, it was built between 1986 and 1989 at the request of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It is designed to resemble St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with a 158-meter high dome and large stained-glass windows. The basilica complex includes a 30,000-square-meter area, a marble-clad plaza with 272 Doric columns that can hold 300,000 people, and a 18,000-seat capacity interior.
Traveling to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix):
The Basilica is located on Rue de St.France, with guided tours often available to explore the interior artwork and gardens inspired by Versailles.