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St. Paul's Cathedral: A Modern Icon in Abidjan

Discover Abidjan's iconic St. Paul's Cathedral: a modern architectural marvel with stunning stained glass, mosaics, and panoramic city views.

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St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan is a striking example of modern religious architecture. Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito, the cathedral is known for its unique, contemporary design and its role as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan.

A brief summary to St. Paul's Cathedral

  • Monday 6:30 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6:30 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6:30 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6:30 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6:30 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-9 am

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday afternoon for a calmer experience, as the Plateau area is less busy then.
  • Climb the 230 steps to the top of the cross for panoramic views of Abidjan.
  • Admire the stained-glass windows and mosaics that blend African culture with biblical stories.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Plateau district's central areas, St. Paul's Cathedral is easily accessible on foot. ориентируйтесь на бульвар Ангульван (Boulevard Angoulvant) и двигайтесь в сторону собора. The cathedral is a prominent landmark, making it easy to spot from a distance.

  • Public Transport

    SOTRA buses serve the Plateau area. Check local bus routes for the nearest stop to St. Paul's Cathedral. From Gare Sud bus station in Plateau, the cathedral is a short taxi or bus ride away. A single bus ticket costs around 200 XOF.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Abidjan. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey to St. Paul's Cathedral. From the city center, a short taxi ride should cost approximately 1000-2000 XOF, depending on traffic and your starting location.

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Discover more about St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Paul d'Abidjan) is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Plateau district of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito, it was commissioned by Côte d'Ivoire's first President, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, with the goal of creating a world-class cathedral. Construction began in 1980, and the cathedral was completed and consecrated by Pope John Paul II on August 10, 1985, during his second visit to the country. The cathedral's architecture is both unique and modern, reflecting the aspirations of the Ivorian people. The structure is dominated by a large, winged cross held in place by seven cables anchored to the triangular main building, creating the illusion that it's being pulled towards the Ébrié Lagoon. Some interpret the cross's design as representing Christ spreading his arms, similar to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Others see it as a devotee kneeling in prayer. The cathedral's exterior also features colorful ceramic panels depicting the story of Christ. The interior spans 4,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Six stained-glass windows, also designed by Aldo Spirito, cover 370 square meters. These windows, along with mosaics depicting the Stations of the Cross, integrate African people, landscapes, and lifestyles with biblical stories. A climb of 230 steps to the balconies on the cross's outstretched arms rewards visitors with panoramic views of Abidjan and its lagoons. St. Paul's Cathedral has become a landmark on Abidjan's skyline. It served as a refuge for approximately 1,800 people fleeing violence during the 2010-2011 Ivorian crisis. Admission is free, though donations are welcome to support maintenance.

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