Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro)
- There is a similarly named Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu.
| Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix |
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Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
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| Basic information | |
| Location | Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire |
| Geographic coordinates | 6°48′40″N 5°17′47″WCoordinates: 6°48′40″N 5°17′47″W |
| Affiliation | Catholic (Roman Rite) |
| Year consecrated | 1990 |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Minor basilica |
| Website | Official Website |
| Architectural description | |
| Architect(s) | Pierre Fakhoury |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Direction of façade | NE |
| Completed | 1990 |
| Construction cost | US$300m |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 18,000 |
| Length | 195 metres (640 ft) |
| Width | 150 metres (490 ft) |
| Width (nave) | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Height (max) | 158 metres (518 ft) |
| Dome dia. (outer) | 90 metres (300 ft)[1] |
| Materials | marble |
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (French: Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro) is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 at a cost of US$300 million. The design of the dome and encircled plaza are clearly inspired by[2] those of the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, although it is not an outright replica.[3] The cornerstone was laid on 10 August 1985, and it was consecrated on 10 September 1990 by Pope John Paul II.[4]
The basilica is not a cathedral. The nearby Cathedral of Saint Augustine is the principal place of worship and seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Yamoussoukro.[5]
Guinness World Records lists it as the largest church in the world, having surpassed the previous record holder, St. Peter’s Basilica, upon completion. It has an area of 30,000 sq metres (322,917 sq ft) and is 158 m (518 ft) high.[6] However, it also includes a rectory and a villa (counted in the overall area), which are not strictly part of the church. It can accommodate 18,000 worshippers, compared to 60,000 for St. Peter’s.[7]
The Basilica is administered by Polish Pallottines.
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