The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Bongouanou

As a non ivorian I was charge 2000fcfa , for entrance to the facility , you pay at the counter and issue a receipt, there is a tour guide on site both English and French speaking guide to give you the run down of the history of how the architecture built the church and how long it took to built it . Tour guide fee is not fixed so you give according to your initiative , reasonably .if you didnt drive there , there are taxis going up and down the village so you will definitely get one out of there.

One of the most astonishing buildings I have ever visited, great architecture, design, views, friendly staff full of history that describes also the decisions taken by the first president of Ivory Coast and the nation

Magnificent and awe Inspiring. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Peace, impressed beyond expectations. Kudos to all that were part of making this wonder a reality

Be aware, you need to wear something that covers your knees. You must bring an ID toi

Awesome thank you to our late president for the gift.

Was on my bucket list and I finally got to visit this magnificent edifice and solemn place of worship. The sheer creativity and brilliance that went into the construction of the largest church in the world is in itself a wonder.The size is enormous and the views are breathtaking.I suggest a visit any time you travel to Ivory Coast and have a day to spare. It’s a couple of hours drive from Abidjan.

Very nice place, super good view!!For tourisme, visit and curiosity!!I very enjoy 👍

Its a must visit when one visits ivory coast. Its magnificent

Lieu incontournable à visiter en Cote d’ivoire.This place is just amazing and mesmerizing. You mus visit it if you go to Ivory coast

Amazing! This is a modern day marvel and architectural triumph. If you are in Ivory Coast, this is a must-see. As long as you can suppress any questions about where the money came from that built this, you will enjoy your visit 100%...

Enchanting experience, must see place for every Catholic. You wont be able to go to the pulpit though during a tourist visit which was a bit disappointing.

Amazing place . Build 1980s only in 3 years and is the Biggest Bazilica in the World!

GET THE TOUR! Pay for it. Its worth it. They had an English speaking guide when we went and we learned a lot about the history, design, and details and numbers: lights, heights, years to build, etc.You can only go UP in the basilica if you go with a guide. Get a guide.

Visiting the basilica with Jean-Luc as a guide was really great. He knows how to make everyone comfortable. The tour was really funny and cleverly made. He emphasized the architecture and engineering of building and other small details to remember. The place and Jean-Luc are a must do.

Absolutely beautiful place to visit, recommend it to anyone who appreciates beauty, art, religion, or just a wonderful place to cool down on a hot day ☺️

An amazing edifice and the serenity around here is just superb. Spent 2 hours touring this beautiful edifice and oh my j was completely blown away by the brain that went in in the construction of this house of the Lord.Whenever you have the time to visit Yamoussoukro, please do well to visit this place and make your you dont only visit but take a tour of the place.

With its massive dome and towering columns, this is the world’s largest church, heavily inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace was constructed in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), between 1986 and 1989. Designed by the celebrated Lebanese-born Ivorian architect Pierre Fakhoury, it was inspired by the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican City. The building was commissioned by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire’s first president (in office in 1960–1993), who is said to have personally funded the construction of the lavish building at an estimated cost of $200–$300 million.The Catholic basilica stands around 518 ft (158 mhigh and occupies an area of about 320,000 square ft (30,000 square m). It is supported by 128 Doric columns, and its vast marble and granite plaza can hold up to 300,000 people. The structure’s 36 stained-glass windows were handmade in France.At the request of Pope John Paul II, Fakhoury lowered the height of the dome to make it smaller than the dome of St. Peter’s—nonetheless, the 30- ft- (9- m-high cross on top of the dome makes the structure significantly taller than its Italian equivalent.

A breathtaking edifice to behold. Was wowed all through my stay

Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro is a site to behold - pilgrimage and tourism. Visit and be blessed with magnificence and beauty. Architecture is top notch.

This is a very historic and lovely place to visit we had a good guide which was quite helpful. There were nice guest house pretty close by which is also nice for our tourism. Its a remote area really which is a shame. Its well maintained its such a nice place but no religious activities whatsoever is being held there according to the tour guide. It was built by a former president of Ivory coast but it has been taken over by Rome. We enjoyed the visit all the same.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Coté DIvoire, its big, its historic, its just wonderful, best to go on a Saturday to be able to gain access to all parts of the Basilica, prices are standard and fixed and they give you a tour guide to fit whatever language you speak. Its very Tourist friendly.

Awesome place to be, Wondering the amount of funds invested into erecting such huge monument.

Infact its built so special n I think everyone must visit this place or worship here as am doing today.

its a must to visit if you pass by ivory coast or by yamoussoukro. huge touristique and holy place under the administration of the Vatican. i recommand you dress decently as mini skirts or really explicit dresses or outfit wont be allowed. i dont remember how languages the guides speaks but and basic english are not a problem. just pay attention to the fees when go pay cuz they can be tricky. also be aware that access to the roof is not everyday. you will be amazed by all the numbers you will hear when you realize its been built decades ago.

Beautiful Basilica. I was just disappointed that I couldnt take pictures inside it. Its so beautiful.

Its a holy place, very Serene and calm, historical monuments, I enjoyed my visit and hope to come again if I get the opportunity.

Waouh! I just have a renewed great positive impression. I visited this holy place twenty years ago and still feel such a sensation. Not only a great spiritual site to be for refreshment and retreat but also a culturally and artistically rich monument to visit!

What a wonderful place .... beautiful, mega, sacred, peaceful..... adhbhut...... one if the unique monuments in Africa...!!!

A must see if youre in the area. Beautiful stained glass, but be wary of taking the full tour if you are claustrophobic or scared of heights as you may go through a rather small, and long staircase if the elevators arent working, and you will go quite high up, although there is always a guardrail

The largest cathedral in the world. This place is worth visiting once you visit Ivory Coast.

So beautiful it’s a must to visit

Great tourist attraction to visit if youre in Yamoussoukro. The place is HUGE and clean. The tour guides are informed and friendly.

The basilica is gorgeous and beautiful!

6 years to plan 3 years to build, this Basilica has been visited by the Pope three times. It is truly massive and made primarily of marble imported in. Make sure you get the guided tour so he can tell you all the interesting facts and hidden features. If only people went to Côte d’Ivoire... the hotels and surrounding areas are virtually empty-I personally appreciated being practically the only one inside a Basilica this large, interesting feeling. I’ve been to the Vatican a few times. Imagine walking right in without a line—it was wonderful.

I’m Ivorian but this is a honest and unbiased review. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is absolutely gorgeous. The building alone is magnificent. The dome, the ceilings the beauty of this basilica is to die for. A place where you can easily have goosebumps. I highly recommend this place. A great tourist site in Yamoussoukro.

Massif, gigantic, great, astronomical, colossal, immense, gigantesque, humongous, herculean, mammoth, monstrous... Could go on and on. This basilica will s steal all adjectives of largeness to my mouth. Said to be the greatest till date of churches you will stand dwarfed to its hugeness. Beautiful? Of course... The expression megalomaniac dream of a visionary first president of Ivory Coast. To visit entirely this church you need to spare at least 2hours of your precious time or a day visit wouldnt be exaggerated also. Build in just 3 months you will stand in awe of what an African country can also do. Then also arise the question of its importance in a third world country. Anyway you will love your trip here.

Elegant structure. A remarkable monument in Yamoussoukro. You sure must visit this place when next youre in Ivory Coast.

It is perhaps the most extraordinary site in Yamoussoukro.This masterpiece of architecture is considered by many people, not only the largest but also the most beautiful basilica in the world. The interior is explendorous and worthy of highlighting. The Basilica was built with excellent quality marbles imported from Italy and Portugal. Big pillars and angelic and appealing huge stain glassed windows. An outstanding pearl in Africa.

Incredible architecture. Really beautiful catholic church must see in Côte dIvoire...

Among the biggest place i visited in my life, i think its one of the biggest. Its imposing, vast, and inspiring. We had a guide able to speak 7 languages. We were shown each key area, i never saw elevators into pillars before. Pretty impressive! Visiting the whole place took us about 2 hours but it was worth it! I even saw Felix Houphouet Boigny as one of the carriers of the cross in the church! I would visit again ! Also they have holy water straight from the vatican !

The Balisilica Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussokro is the largest basilica in the world. I visited this place twice . Once alone and then I came back with my family for pilgrimage. I strongly recommend this place to anyone looking for "breath"

Great work by the architect. A place to visit. Would have loved to see how the church looks during the night with the lights on, we waited until 19.30 but unfortunately the lights were never turned on.

Absolutely magnificent. Vatican on African soil.

That is fantastic experience to see a little version of St Peter Vatican in middle of nowhere. The visit accompanied by interesting guide for about almost 1 hour, unfortunately i was in French speaking group and get translated a bit by a visitor there.

Keep the religious angle aside- It would be a must on bucket list of religious jaunta.One HAS to visit this place to feel the grandeur of the structure. Its HUGE and beautiful​.

Wow, must try. Anyone coming to Ivory Coast for touring or holidays and not visiting this place would be a crime. Huge structure, friendly people, world tallest cathedral. Best time like early morning or late afternoon as temperatures bit higher side. Dont forget to take guide. Enjoy the gigantic structure with architectural uniqueness.

Enormous structure with many artistic elements. Modern technologic solutions, huge space, looking magnificent. A true legacy of a statesman.

Very big in size and so colorful inside. Going to the roof of the church is so pleasant.

An absolute privilege to see this Basilica. Its beyond!When we came last year, we had just missed the interior tours as they close around 6PM. Yet still, we were able to capture the beautiful light of the sunset and soak up the magnificent setting.LUCKILY, two years later we made a trip of it and spent a day visiting the interior, receiving an EXCELLENT tour, and enjoying the property.The tour guide spoke English and was a living encyclopedia sharing fascinating information about the building, history, and details. He also took specific and special photos with our phones, able to manipulate the shot for memorable pics.On a side note, and because I appreciate a good plate - there is an excellent kitchen on the grounds serving a blessed delicious breakfast.In addition, to many bonuses the drive is smooth and straight away, and Yamoussoukro offers a different environment from Abidjan. Mass every morning at 7AM and other times are offered on the weekends. A very special experience.

Its really a stupendous artifact as it seemed from out side. I just had a glimpse while passing it by in car. I didnt have the scope to enter. It is said that it has got a Vatican look. A tourist will also find a big scenic Palm garden and a lake full pink Waterlily. Its simply amazing. The entire surrounding is completely green and cattle grazing has increased its natural beauty enormously. Have a happy visit anytime. Good luck.