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The human obsession with transcendence and a replica of the Vatican: the example of the Ivory Coast

2020• 6 minPG

Synopsis

Almost two thousand workers took three years to build the Yamoussoukro Basilica, a colossal replica of the Vatican in the Ivory Coast jungle.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

  • See the colossal Basilica of Yamoussoukro in the African jungle.
  • Find out how Félix Houphouët-Boigny spent his fortune on a temple.
  • Meet the diverse beliefs of the Ivorian people regarding worship.

Did You Know

  • The Basilica of Yamoussoukro took almost two thousand workers three years to build.
  • The basilica features 128 columns, each 30 meters high.
  • The interior of the basilica includes 7400 square meters of stained glass windows.
  • Félix Houphouët-Boigny dedicated the basilica to the Christian god and presented it to the Vatican.

Perfect For

Religious architecture enthusiastsCultural identity seekersAfrican history buffs
Read full Deep Dive →
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basilica of Yamoussoukro a replica of?

The Basilica of Yamoussoukro is a replica of the Vatican.

How many workers built the Basilica of Yamoussoukro?

Almost two thousand workers took three years to build the Basilica of Yamoussoukro.

What materials were used in the construction of the Basilica of Yamoussoukro?

The basilica was built with 128 columns, each 30 meters high, and seven hectares of marble bought from Italy and Spain.

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