Our Lady of Peace Basilica, the largest Christian edifice in the world

Located in Yamoussoukro, the political and administrative capital of Ivory Coast, 3 hours north of Abidjan, the economic capital, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is impressive in its pharaonic size and the obvious architectural similarities to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.

In 1989, it earned an entry in the Guinness World Records book for being the largest Christian religious building in the world. As a point of comparison, Saint Peter’s Basilica is 377 feet wide, while Yamoussoukro boasts almost 500 feet. The site spans over more than 321 acres. Construction took 3 years, from 1986 to 1989, with 4,500 workers involved in the project. The new basilica was blessed by St John Paul II on September 10, 1990.

This colossal undertaking raised controversy because of its exorbitant cost in a country where the average income is very low. But the Holy Father agreed to bless it, after he obtained the construction of a hospital not far from the basilica.

Set in predominantly Muslim West Africa, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace has become a major destination for pilgrims.

Source: Aleteia