SAINT-PAUL CATHEDRAL OF PLATEAU

The idea of building a religious edifice in the city of Abidjan first emerged in 1934, when the city became the capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Several construction projects were launched over the years, but none ever came to fruition. It was not until between 1964 and 1966 that the PDCI, the ruling party at the time, launched the "religious edifice" initiative. This involved deducting a sum from the salary of all civil servants based on their religious affiliation. Once the target amount was reached, the Government, in agreement with ecclesiastical authorities, launched the "Abidjan Cathedral" project. The foundation stone of this building, constructed on nine (9) hectares of land, was laid on May 11, 1980, in the presence of Pope John Paul II, who blessed it. The cathedral was built at the initiative of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Construction work officially began in 1983. Before it was built, the site was home to the city's prefecture as well as a prison. The work was completed in 1985 (just 2 years after construction began) and was also blessed by Pope John Paul II upon its handover to the Catholic Christian community of Côte d'Ivoire.