Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Found in perhaps one of the strangest cities in the world, Yamoussoukro is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Although this is a modern city, it is almost lifeless and little traffic can be noticed around here. This actually makes it a perfect city for the basilica since it is nice and quiet.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is known to be the largest Christian church in the whole world. This is considered as the biggest legacy that former president Houphouet-Boigny left in the city. The basilica was patterned after the St. Peter's Basilica situated in Vatican City. Although the latter can accommodate more people, structurally speaking the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is larger, has a greater surface area and its dome is higher.

During Pope John Paul II's visit to the church, he said that he would go if they built a hospital near the church and during his visit, he laid the cornerstone for the hospital. Sadly, construction never went underway.