Many people may be surprised to learn that the largest church in the world is not located in Rome or another European city known for its grand cathedrals. In fact, the largest church in the world is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, located in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of Côte d'Ivoire.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace was completed in 1989 and was commissioned by the country's former president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It was designed to be larger than St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, making it the largest church in the world by both volume and area. The basilica can accommodate up to 18,000 worshippers and has a total area of 30,000 square meters.
The architecture of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is inspired by St. Peter's Basilica, with a grand dome and a central nave that stretches over 150 meters in length. The exterior of the basilica is made of marble imported from Italy, giving it a majestic and imposing appearance.
Visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace can marvel at the intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and ornate decorations that adorn the interior of the church. The basilica is also home to a large plaza and gardens, making it a popular tourist attraction in Yamoussoukro.
While the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace may not have the same historical significance as other famous churches around the world, its sheer size and grandeur make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in religious architecture. If you find yourself in Côte d'Ivoire, be sure to visit this impressive feat of engineering and design.
For more information on the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, you can visit their official website here.
With its impressive size and stunning architecture, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro truly deserves its title as the largest church in the world.
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