Background

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako: A Colonial Masterpiece

Discover Bamako's iconic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, a colonial-era architectural gem and a center for Catholic worship since 1936.

4.1

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako, built in 1936, stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture and the enduring presence of the Catholic Church in Mali. Located in the heart of Bamako, this cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Bamako and a place of worship for the local Catholic community.

A brief summary to Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako

  • Bamako, Centre Commercial, ML

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the Cathedral, as it is an active place of worship.
  • Photography inside may be restricted; ask for permission before taking pictures.
  • Check the service schedule in advance if you wish to attend a mass in either English, French, or a local language.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cathedral is located in Centre Commercial, Bamako. From most points in the city center, it is accessible by foot. Use the Grand Mosque as a reference point and walk in the opposite direction of the Niger River to find the Cathedral.

  • Public Transport

    Minibuses, known locally as 'SOTRAMA', are a common mode of transport in Bamako. These vans operate on fixed routes throughout the city. A ride will cost between 100-300 CFA. Look for the Centre Commercial route to get close to the Cathedral. From the drop-off point, a short walk will be required.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bamako. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride from a central location to the Cathedral should cost approximately 1,500 to 4,000 CFA. Specify that you want a car and not a motorcycle taxi when booking.

Unlock the Best of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, or Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur-de-Jésus de Bamako, is a prominent landmark in Mali's capital city. Its construction began in 1925 and was completed in 1936, becoming the main Catholic place of worship in Bamako until 1957. The cathedral's land was acquired in 1910 by Catholic missionaries from Kati, where they had established a mission by the end of 1897, and a chapel was built there. The cathedral's architecture reflects a colonial style, a reminder of Mali's past under French rule. Services are conducted in English, French, and local languages, welcoming a diverse congregation. The first archbishop of Bamako, Bishop Pierre-Louis Leclerc, was installed in the cathedral in 1956 and buried there in 1988. Today, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart remains a significant religious and historical site in Bamako, open to visitors of all faiths.

Popular Experiences near Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako

Popular Hotels near Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bamako

Select Currency