Strange but true, the largest church in the world is in the middle of nowhere in Ivory Coast - in the town of Yamoussoukro. The basilica was completed in 1989 at a cost of US$300 million. It's design is inspired by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican city. It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. The basilica has an area of 30,000 sq metres (322,917 sq ft) and is 158 m (518 ft) high. It can accommodate 18,000 worshipers. Less than a third of Côte d'Ivoire's population are Christian, and most services conducted at the basilica are attended by only a few hundred people. It is a true white elephant but one worth seeing if you are ever in Ivory Coast. It is really impressive. Enough words - time for some pics. My last day in Ivory Coast was spent well.