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Yamoussoukro Travel Guide
Named after a village queen, Yamoussoukro is the plush capital and pilgrimage center of Côte d'Ivoire. The country's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, was born here but the city is better known for its Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest Christian church on Earth. Consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990, the baroque Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, also fondly called "White Elephants," has a greater surface area and a higher dome than its role model, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Inside it are huge slabs of marble pews and colorful stained glasses in between. A corner stone stands near the church as a reminder of Pope John Paul II's visit and of his request that a hospital be built next to the basilica. Up to this day, the pope's wish has not been granted, but the basilica remains as Houphouët-Boigny's best legacy since it is part of the late president's vision to see Yamoussoukro as a busy, progressive capital.
Although political turmoil prevents Houphouët-Boigny's dream from happening, Yamoussoukro is still worth a visit for its public gardens and Foundation Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a memorial to the president. The old Presidential Palace is where Houphouët-Boigny's family still live and so a new one has been constructed for the country's succeeding leaders. Outside the old palace in a nearby lagoon, where tourists can witness crocodile feeding with live chickens for a small fee.
The climate is warm, yet most visitors find it nice to stroll along other colonial landmarks such as the Kossou Dam, the Palace of Hosts, the Mosque, and the Protestant Temple, which are scattered across a large grid of well-paved, grass-carpeted lawns and lights. Most people are anticipating the construction of the city's first stately, pyramid-like hotel with a long central catwalk lined with the flags of all nations.
As the country's transportation hub, the city has a modern international airport that is considered one of the best in Africa. Terminals of buses and other vehicles going to nearby countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso are in Houphouët-Boigny Avenue. The vehicles' operations, however, depend on the city's highly volatile security situations and so, to be on the safer side, it is better to check the news first before undertaking a visit to the capital.
Yamoussoukro Landmarks:
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