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- Destinations
- Africa
- Ivory Coast
- Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro is the official capital of Ivory Coast, however
this seems to be only by name. The city is a five-hour drive from
Abidjan and seems to be one of Africa's strangest capital cities.
Paved streets and street lamps were built in preparation for the
buzzing metropolis Yamoussoukro was supposed to be; however this
development never came to pass, and so now streets exist with
little to nothing between them. The city's main attraction is the
unforgettable Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
(Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Paix or Basilica Notre Dame). Larger
than St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Yamoussoukro's basilica
is the largest Christian church in the world. It was modelled after
the Vatican's St. Peter's, and even though the Basilica of Our Lady
of Peace seats slightly less people than St. Peter's, it has a
taller dome and a larger surface area. The stained glass windows
are also exceptionally beautiful - and, in fact, the cathedral
boasts more stained glass than all the churches of France put
together. The Basilica Notre Dame was consecrated by Pope John Paul
II.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Ivory Coast is French but more
than 60 native dialects are spoken.
Money
The official currency is the CFA Franc (XOF), divided into 100
centimes. The CFA Franc is linked to the Euro. New notes were
issued in 2004 and only those issued by the Bank of West African
States (
Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) are valid
currency. There are a few ATMs in Abidjan but most will accept only
Visa cards. It is unwise to use an ATM that is not guarded. Credit
cards are accepted in the larger hotels and better restaurants.
Most shops require cash. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks,
as well as some tourist orientated hotels and restaurants.