Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kisangani is the religious landmark of the Tshopo province and a powerful monument to the city's turbulent history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic style, this imposing cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Kisangani. The building's recent history is deeply marked by the scars of war, particularly the 'Six-Day War' in 2000 between Rwandan and Ugandan forces fought within the city. During the conflict, the cathedral sustained heavy damage from artillery and gunfire, with bullet holes remaining visible on its walls for years as a grim reminder of the violence. Since then, extensive restoration projects have been undertaken to return the cathedral to its former glory, although some traces of its history are preserved as a memorial. Today, it stands as a place of reconciliation and a vital community center for the people of Kisangani. Its architecture, featuring tall spires and intricate windows, provides a striking contrast to the dense tropical landscape of the Congo River basin. Visiting the cathedral gives deep insight into the resilience of the Congolese people and the central role of faith in their recovery.

Nearby cities

Kisangani

Kisangani is the capital of Tshopo Province and the third-largest city in the country, located at the farthest navigable point upstream o…

Basoko

Basoko is a port town on the Congo River, at the mouth of the Aruwimi River.

Yangambi

Yangambi is known for its major biosphere reserve and rainforest research center.

Ubundu

Ubundu is a town south of the Stanley Falls, on the navigable part of the upper Congo.

Isangi

Isangi is a town located at the confluence of the Lomami and Congo rivers.

Bafwasende

Bafwasende is a town in Tshopo Province, serving as the administrative center for the country's largest territory by area.

History & landmarks

Place de la Femme

The Place de la Femme in Kisangani is a monument and public square dedicated to the honor and resilience of Congolese women.

University of Kisangani

The Université de Kisangani is one of the country's leading higher education institutions, with a strong focus on tropical medicine and f…

Nature

Aruwimi River

A major tributary of the Congo River in the north.

More places

Kisangani River Port

The most important transshipment point in the northeastern interior, where navigation ends due to rapids.

Sotexki Plant

The Sotexki textile factory in Kisangani is one of the few remaining large textile companies in the north of the country.

🗺️

Yangambi Research Station

In the colonial era, Yangambi was the center of the Institute for Agronomy in the Belgian Congo and held the world's largest tropical agr…

Historical Basoko Fort

Basoko, at the confluence of the Congo and Aruwimi, was an important military and trading post of the Congo Free State against Arab traders.

Kisangani Children's Park

Children's parks in Kisangani offer recreational opportunities for families along the banks of the majestic Congo River.

🗺️

Boyoma Falls

A series of rapids of the Congo River.

Congo Cassava Field

Cassava (manioc) fields are the most widespread agricultural feature in the DR Congo, as it is the nation's primary food staple.

🗺️

Congo Palm Oil Plantation

Palm oil plantations are widespread across the central basin, serving as a staple of both local diets and national industry.