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St. Paul's Cathedral

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St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)

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St. Paul's Cathedral in Kenema is the religious heart of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kenema and a significant architectural landmark in eastern Sierra Leone. The cathedral is distinguished by its imposing structure and serene atmosphere, attracting worshippers from across the entire region. As the seat of the Bishop of Kenema, it plays a central role in the spiritual and social life of the city. The building blends traditional sacred architecture with local influences and is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and spacious interior. Beyond regular worship services, the cathedral serves as a hub for social projects, education, and health initiatives supported by the diocese. In a region heavily defined by mining and agriculture, St. Paul's Cathedral acts as a place of constancy and peace. The history of the cathedral is closely linked to the growth of the Catholic Church in Sierra Leone throughout the 20th century. For visitors, it features insight into the religious diversity and the deep-seated roots of the Christian faith within the local community of Kenema.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262829292826242425252625
Rain mm171645116298401457355177527

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
St. Paul's Cathedral in Kenema is the main Catholic church of the city and open to visitors. Entry is free, and the community welcomes visitors as long as no mass is in progress.
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Typical hours
The cathedral usually opens at usual prayer times and for services; exact times vary. It is typically open in the morning and late afternoon.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed, but without flash and not during mass. Exterior shots of the church are welcome anytime.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 15 to 20 minutes to see the modest furnishings. Those who want to talk with the community should allow extra time.
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Combine with
The cathedral is in central Kenema, near the market and bus station. Combine the visit with a stroll through the market or a walk to the river.
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Getting there
The cathedral is walkable from the center and most accommodations in Kenema. Motorcycle taxis are a common mode of transport in the city.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral on a Sunday to experience the spirited community. Come early to get a seat and hear the local music.

Geography

Coordinates
7.87600, -11.18900

Facts

  • The cathedral is the official seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kenema.
  • Kenema is Sierra Leone's third-largest city and a hub for the diamond trade.
  • The Diocese of Kenema was formally established in the year 1970.
  • The building is known for its distinctive roofline and large stained-glass windows.
  • The cathedral functions as a center for community development and social services.
  • Major religious processions held here attract thousands of people from the region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KenemaKenema<1 km · EExplore →
Dodo Hydroelectric PlantDodo Hydroelectric Plant5 km · SExplore →
Kambui HillsKambui Hills8 km · WExplore →
BarmaBarma14 km · WExplore →
Goma Hydroelectric PlantGoma Hydroelectric Plant17 km · NEExplore →
BlamaBlama18 km · SExplore →
Pandebu-TokpombuPandebu-Tokpombu27 km · WExplore →
SegbwemaSegbwema29 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Paul's Cathedral (1)

Holy Trinity Hall🎭 culture

Holy Trinity Hall is a prominent venue for theatrical and community events located near St. Paul's Cathedral in Kenema.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the cathedral?
Yes, visitors are welcome outside of church services.
When are the services?
Services usually take place on Sundays; please be respectful.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free, donations are welcome.
Is the building worth visiting?
Yes, it is an important religious and architectural center in Kenema.
Is photography allowed?
Ask for permission beforehand, especially inside.
St. Paul's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Paul's Cathedral is located in Sierra Leone.
St. Paul's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kenema — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Kenema
Kenema is the largest city in eastern Sierra Leone and the center of the diamond industry.
Koidu — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Koidu
Koidu is the capital of Kono District and the heart of diamond mining in Sierra Leone.
Segbwema — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Segbwema
Segbwema is a significant town in eastern Sierra Leone and a major trading center for agricultural products.
Kailahun — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Kailahun
Kailahun is the capital of the district of the same name and a major agricultural center.
Yengema — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Yengema
Yengema is a mining town in Kono District known for its diamond wealth.
Pendembu — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Pendembu
Pendembu is a significant town in Kailahun District known for its agricultural importance.
Blama — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Blama
Blama is a significant town in Kenema District and a center for trade in agricultural products.
Panguma — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Panguma
Panguma is a town in Kenema District known for its health centers and agriculture.
🗺️
Bunumbu
Bunumbu is primarily known as an educational center in eastern Sierra Leone.
Daru — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Daru
Daru is a town in Kailahun District known for its strategic military importance.
Barma — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Barma
Barma is a small but growing town in Kenema District, important for agricultural production.
🗺️
Pandebu-Tokpombu
Pandebu-Tokpombu is a town in Kenema District that plays an important role in local agriculture.
🗺️
Gandorhun
Gandorhun is a town in Kono District known for its diamond mining.
Tongo — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Tongo
Tongo is a significant center for diamond mining in Kenema District.
Boajibu — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Boajibu
Boajibu is a town in Kenema District that functions as a local commercial center.

Nature

Sewa River — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Sewa River
The Sewa is a major river that flows through the diamond-rich areas of the east and south.
Moa River — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Moa River
The Moa is a transboundary river that originates in Guinea and flows through Sierra Leone.

More places

Kenema Cocoa Nurseries — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Kenema Cocoa Nurseries
In the shade of tall forest trees, young cocoa saplings grow before being distributed to plantations in the fertile east.
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Dodo Hydroelectric Plant
An important hydroelectric power plant in eastern Sierra Leone, supplying electricity to the city of Kenema.
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Kambui Hills
The Kambui Hills stretch near Kenema and form a prominent upland area in the east of the country.
Goma Hydroelectric Plant — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Goma Hydroelectric Plant
A smaller hydroelectric facility in the east supporting local communities and industries.
Moa River Elephant Corridor — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Moa River Elephant Corridor
Along the Moa River, majestic forest elephants roam through the green forests, a rare sight in West Africa.
Dodo Hills Forest Reserve — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Dodo Hills Forest Reserve
The Dodo Hills Forest Reserve protects an important area of primary rainforest in the east of the country.
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Gola Forest North
The northern part of the Gola Forest encompasses some of the densest and most pristine areas of the park.
Tongo Diamond Mine — St. Paul's Cathedral (Sierra Leone)
Tongo Diamond Mine
A significant mining area for industrial and gem-quality diamonds in eastern Sierra Leone.