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St. Paul's Cathedral

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Landmark
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St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)

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St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan is a masterpiece of modern architecture and one of the most distinctive landmarks of the Plateau district. Designed by the Italian architect Aldo Spirito and inaugurated in 1985, it impresses with its bold, futuristic form, reminiscent of a sailing yacht or praying hands. A central element is the striking bell tower, connected to the main nave by steel cables, evoking the figure of St. Paul casting his nets. The interior is renowned for its magnificent glass mosaics that interweave biblical themes with African motifs and landscapes. The cathedral was consecrated during the visit of Pope John Paul II and today serves as the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Abidjan. Its location on a hill provides a spectacular view over the Ébrié Lagoon and the city skyline. Despite its modern aesthetics, it remains a place of deep spirituality and a center for major religious ceremonies in Ivory Coast.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828272726252425262727
Rain mm266313015820126098479918311050

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan is an active Catholic place of worship and open for visits free of charge. Access to the interior is possible during opening hours.
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Typical hours
The cathedral usually opens in the morning and closes in the evening; exact times vary with the mass schedule. It is typically open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed, but without flash to not disturb the modern architecture. The distinctive spire and glass facade are popular subjects.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes to admire the interior and the tower from outside. Those wanting to enjoy the view from the tower should allow more time.
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Combine with
The cathedral is in the Plateau district, near St. Paul's Cathedral and the National Museum. Combine the visit with a walk to the lagoon or to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
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Getting there
The cathedral is easily reached by taxi or bus; the nearest bus stop is a few minutes' walk away. Parking in the area is limited but secure parking lots are available.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral in the late afternoon when sunlight bathes the glass facade in warm colors. Avoid midday when it gets very hot.

Geography

Coordinates
5.33150, -4.02050

Facts

  • The cathedral was consecrated on August 10, 1985, by Pope John Paul II.
  • Architect Aldo Spirito designed the building in a futuristic style.
  • The church can accommodate up to 3,500 worshipers inside.
  • The glass mosaics cover an area of several hundred square meters.
  • The building is designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds.
  • It is considered the second-largest church in the country after the basilica in Yamoussoukro.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'IvoireMuseum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire<1 km · EExplore →
UNIWAX Textile FactoryUNIWAX Textile Factory1 km · WExplore →
AbidjanAbidjan3 km · NWExplore →
FILTISAC Packaging FactoryFILTISAC Packaging Factory3 km · SWExplore →
Hôtel Ivoire TowerHôtel Ivoire Tower3 km · NExplore →
SANIA Palm Oil FactorySANIA Palm Oil Factory3 km · WExplore →
Grande Mosquée de la Riviera GolfGrande Mosquée de la Riviera Golf5 km · NExplore →
Henri-Konan-Bédié BridgeHenri-Konan-Bédié Bridge5 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Paul's Cathedral (10)

Musee des Civilisations de Cote d'Ivoire🏛 museum

Museum in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, displaying cultural and historical artifacts of the country.

Embassy of France

Building in Ivory Coast, housing the French embassy in Abidjan.

Galerie Nour-Al Hayat

Art gallery in Abidjan, exhibiting contemporary works by local and international artists.

Institut français

Cultural institute in Abidjan, promoting French language and culture.

Place de la République

Central square in Abidjan, surrounded by government buildings and shops.

Pont Général-de-Gaulle

Bridge in Ivory Coast, connecting districts of Abidjan.

Pont Félix-Houphouët-Boigny

Bridge in Ivory Coast, a major traffic artery in Abidjan.

Palais de la Culture d'Abidjan

Temple of culture in Abidjan, venue for theater performances and concerts.

Monument des Martyrs

Monument in Abidjan, commemorating victims of political events.

Galerie Cécile Fakhoury

Gallery in Abidjan, specializing in contemporary African art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the cathedral?
The Italian architect Aldo Spirito designed this modern structure in the 1980s.
What does the architecture symbolize?
The structure resembles a giant figure (Saint Paul) blessing Abidjan.
How do you get there?
It is located in the Plateau district and can be reached by taxi or on foot from the city center.
Can one see the stained glass windows?
Yes, the cathedral is famous for its large-scale, colorful glass mosaics.
Is entry free?
Yes, visiting the cathedral is free, though donations are welcome.
St. Paul's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Paul's Cathedral is located in Côte d’Ivoire.
St. Paul's Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musee des Civilisations de Cote d'Ivoire, Embassy of France, Galerie Nour-Al Hayat.
St. Paul's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Abidjan — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Abidjan
Economic metropolis of Ivory Coast.
Anyama — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Anyama
A northern suburb of Abidjan.
Bingerville — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Bingerville
Former capital during the colonial era.

History & landmarks

Museum of Civilizations of Côte d&#39;Ivoire — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire
The most important museum in Abidjan, presenting the rich cultural and historical heritage of Ivory Coast.
Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium
This historic multi-purpose stadium in Abidjan is named after the first president of Ivory Coast.
Administrative Tower A — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Administrative Tower A
Part of a significant government complex in the center of Abidjan, housing various ministries.
Postel 2001 Building — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Postel 2001 Building
Another distinctive high-rise in the heart of Abidjan, which historically served as a headquarters for telecommunications.
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CCIA Building
One of the most famous skyscrapers in Abidjan's business district, housing many offices after its comprehensive renovation.
Plateau Mosque — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Plateau Mosque
A prominent Islamic building in the business district of Abidjan, featuring a striking blue roof.
La Pyramide — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
La Pyramide
A distinctive pyramid-shaped high-rise in Abidjan, built in the 1970s as a symbol of the Ivorian economic miracle.
Alassane Ouattara Bridge — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Alassane Ouattara Bridge
A spectacular cable-stayed bridge in Abidjan that elegantly connects the Cocody and Plateau districts.

More places

UNIWAX Textile Factory — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
UNIWAX Textile Factory
The leading factory for traditional African wax print fabrics (Pagne) in West Africa.
FILTISAC Packaging Factory — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
FILTISAC Packaging Factory
A leading manufacturer of jute bags and plastic packaging, essential for cocoa and coffee export.
SANIA Palm Oil Factory — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
SANIA Palm Oil Factory
A leading company in the processing of palm oil in West Africa, based in Abidjan.
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SOLIBRA Brewery
The oldest and largest brewery in Ivory Coast, producing beverages for the national market.
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Cargill Cocoa Factory
One of the largest cocoa processing plants in Abidjan, converting raw cocoa into semi-finished products.
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory
The largest factory for PVC and polyethylene pipes in West Africa, essential for water and construction infrastructure.
Port of Abidjan — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
Port of Abidjan
The most important port of Ivory Coast and a central hub for West Africa.
SIR Oil Refinery — St. Paul's Cathedral (Côte d’Ivoire)
SIR Oil Refinery
The Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage in Abidjan is one of West Africa's largest oil refineries.