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Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo

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Historical site
—°10
Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)

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The Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo in Brazzaville is one of Central Africa's most architecturally spectacular buildings and a defining landmark of the Congolese capital. Designed by French architect Roger Erell, construction began in 1943 and the church was consecrated in 1949, showcasing a unique fusion of European modernism and traditional African cultural motifs. The most striking feature is its roof of shimmering green tiles, intended to evoke the scales of a snake or the dense canopy of the tropical rainforest. The basilica was built as a symbol of the bond between France and Africa, particularly following General de Gaulle's 1940 declaration that Brazzaville would serve as the capital of Free France. Inside, the basilica impresses with its vast, light-filled nave, the use of local materials, and artistic details that celebrate African identity. Heavily damaged during the civil unrest of the 1990s, the structure underwent extensive restoration in 2011 and now stands in its full original glory. The basilica is not only a major Catholic place of worship but also a national monument reflecting the complex history of the Republic of the Congo.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252524242526252525
Rain mm1841862292361551642178207317276

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo is an active church and open to visitors. The interior with its distinctive green roof tiles is freely accessible.
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Typical hours
The basilica is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a break at lunchtime. Masses usually take place in the morning and evening.
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Photography
Photograph the impressive exterior with green tiles from the street. Inside, photography without flash is allowed, but avoid disturbance during prayer.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to visit the basilica. If you want to admire the architectural details and stained glass, take an hour.
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Combine with
The basilica is in Brazzaville near the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral. Combine a visit to both churches with a walk through the Bacongo district.
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Getting there
The basilica is easily reachable by taxi or bus from central Brazzaville. From Maya-Maya Airport the drive takes about 20 minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit the basilica in the morning when the light best highlights the green tiles. A small kiosk next door sells refreshments and souvenirs.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.26800, 15.28200

Facts

  • The basilica is located in the Poto-Poto district of Brazzaville.
  • Architect Roger Erell drew inspiration from traditional conical tent structures.
  • The unique green roof tiles were specially manufactured in France for this project.
  • Felix Éboué was a key advocate for the construction of the basilica.
  • Funding for the build was partially raised through donations across French Equatorial Africa.
  • The 2011 restoration project included the complete reconstruction of the spire.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

People's PalacePeople's Palace<1 km · SEExplore →
Port of BrazzavillePort of Brazzaville2 km · NWExplore →
Marien Ngouabi MausoleumMarien Ngouabi Mausoleum2 km · NEExplore →
Kimbanguist Temple of BrazzavilleKimbanguist Temple of Brazzaville2 km · SEExplore →
Alphonse Massamba-Débat StadiumAlphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium2 km · SWExplore →
Saint Pierre Claver CathedralSaint Pierre Claver Cathedral3 km · EExplore →
Case de GaulleCase de Gaulle4 km · SExplore →
Kinshasa Children's ParkKinshasa Children's Park4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (10)

Basilique Sainte-Anne

Roman Catholic basilica in Brazzaville, known for its modern architecture and colorful roof.

Statues des fameux congolais

Statues of famous Congolese figures from history and culture.

Centre Culturel Russe

Russian cultural centre with a library, language courses, and Russian cultural events.

Musée galerie du bassin du Congo🏛 museum

Museum and gallery dedicated to the art and history of the Congo Basin.

Mémorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza🏛 museum

Memorial to the Italian-French explorer and city founder Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.

Amphithéatre le Phénotype

Modern amphitheatre used for concerts, theatre, and public events.

Théâtre Jean-Baptiste Tati Loutard

Theatre named after the Congolese writer, venue for performances and cultural events.

Plus jamais ça

Monument against violence and war, commemorating victims of conflicts.

Statues des fameux africains

Statues of significant African personalities from various eras.

Mausolée Marien Ngouabi

Mausoleum of assassinated President Marien Ngouabi, a national memorial site.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Sainte-Anne Basilica so special?
Its unique green roof tiles and the architecture by Roger Erell.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
When is the best time to visit?
In the morning, when the light makes the stained glass windows glow beautifully.
Can you take photos during mass?
Out of respect for the worshippers, you should not take photos during the service.
Where in Brazzaville is the basilica located?
In the Poto-Poto district, near the city center.
Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo: where is it located?
Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo is located in Congo - Brazzaville.
Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Basilique Sainte-Anne, Statues des fameux congolais, Centre Culturel Russe.
Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Brazzaville
Brazzaville is the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo, located on the north bank of the Congo River.

History & landmarks

People&#39;s Palace — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
People's Palace
The People's Palace in Brazzaville is a large public building used for state and institutional events.
Case des Élus — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Case des Élus
An architecturally interesting parliamentary building in Brazzaville, home to important political institutions.
Nabemba Tower — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Nabemba Tower
The tallest building in the Republic of the Congo and a symbol of modern architecture in Brazzaville.
Freedom Monument Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Freedom Monument Brazzaville
Freedom Monument Brazzaville is a public monument associated with independence and civic identity.
Institut Français du Congo — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Institut Français du Congo
Institut Français du Congo in Brazzaville is a cultural venue for exhibitions, performances, and language events.
Grand Mosque of Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Grand Mosque of Brazzaville
The Grand Mosque of Brazzaville is a major religious landmark in the capital.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Brazzaville is a key government landmark.
Kimbanguist Temple of Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Kimbanguist Temple of Brazzaville
A large temple of the Kimbanguist Church, known for its impressive size and simple architecture.

More places

Historic Brazzaville City Hall — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Historic Brazzaville City Hall
Historic Brazzaville City Hall is one of the capital's key administrative buildings.
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral of Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral of Brazzaville
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral of Brazzaville is a major Catholic church in the capital.
Old Court of Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Old Court of Brazzaville
The Old Court of Brazzaville is a former judicial building in the capital.
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum
The final resting place of the founder of Brazzaville, a magnificent building on the banks of the Congo River.
Independence Bridge — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Independence Bridge
Independence Bridge is a major bridge in Brazzaville with civic and symbolic value.
Old Brazzaville Railway Station — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Old Brazzaville Railway Station
The Old Brazzaville Railway Station is part of the city's CFCO transport heritage.
Port of Brazzaville — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Port of Brazzaville
A strategic inland port on the Congo River connecting the capital with the country's interior.
Marien Ngouabi Mausoleum — Basilica of St. Anne of the Congo (Congo - Brazzaville)
Marien Ngouabi Mausoleum
The Marien Ngouabi Mausoleum in Brazzaville honors the former Congolese president.