From Mali to Ivory Coast, Stage 2

The first President of Ivory Coast, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, appointed his birthplace Yamoussoukro as the new capital of the country in March 1983. Under his leadership, several major construction projects were started there, including the construction of a basilica inspired by the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The foundation stone was laid on August 10, 1985. After only three years and three months of construction, the church was completed. The entire construction project was officially paid for from Houphouët-Boigny's personal wealth and has since been maintained by the interest from a Swiss blocked account. After a long wait, the basilica was consecrated on September 10, 1990 by Pope John Paul II as part of his visit to Africa in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary doctor. The reason for the delay was the fact that the Pope made his participation in the ceremony dependent on the commitment to build a hospital near the church. However, the implementation of this project did not begin until ten years later, and a university announced at the same time was still in the planning phase in 2007. The promised hospital did not go into operation until January 2015. In 1992, Michael Jackson was led by Houphouët-Boigny through the church.
The can still visit the Félix Houphouêt-Boigny Foundation not far away is worth a visit. Especially for its rooms, including a huge gallery. Near the presidential palace, the Lake of the Holy Crocodiles attracts the most daring to the animals, which weigh almost a ton. Fans of traditional culture can visit the Adja Swa Museum, which exhibits typical wooden masks, musical instruments, Baule statues and African art. Visitors can do their shopping in a rhythmic atmosphere at the central market.