Churches are known for their unique beauty and impressive architectural mastery. No matter your believe, these holy places of worship are incredible pieces of architecture and historical significance.
Surprisingly the most stunning churches in the continent are found in the northernmost region which is predominantly Muslim.
We look at some of the Most stunning Churches in Africa as of 2017:
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace or in French Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix was constructed from 1985 to 1989; reportedly costing between US$175 – 600 million. The design was inspired by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City. It is, by many accounts, the world’s largest church and was also listed in the Guinness World Records.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
Dutch Reformed Church (Grotekerk), Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
This stunning Dutch Reformed Church is in the Eastern Cape Province city of Graaff-Reinet. On the 12th April 1886 the foundation stone was laid for the fourth and existing church which is Gothic Revival and based on the lines of Salisbury Cathedral in England with the inaugural sermon delivered on the 11th September 1887. The stone for this church was obtained locally and the church which can seat 1,250 and has a steeple of 45, 72 metres boasts a chimney, an unusual feature for a church. The church is one of the historic landmarks in Graaff Reinet.
Dutch Reformed Church (Grotekerk), Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
National Church of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
The National Ecumenical Centre also known as the National Christian Centre is a Christian place of worship located in the capital city Abuja. The neo-gothic style church was designed by Darchiwork Group a Nigerian architectural firm. Although construction started in 1989, the projected was completed in 2005.
National Church of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
National Church of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
Dutch Reformed Church – Hanover, South Africa
This intriguing model of the Dutch Reformed Church is in Hanover, a small town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The nucleus of the town is the Dutch Reformed Church.
Dutch Reformed Church – Hanover, South Africa
Saint Antonio Catholic Church “Lemon Squeezer” – Maputo, Mozambique
The Santo Antonio Da Polana (Saint Antonio) Catholic church is located in the Polana District of Maputo. This stunning architecture was built in 1962 and restored in 1992. It has the shape of an inverted flower, and is popularly known as the “Lemon Squeezer”.
Saint Antonio Catholic Church “Lemon Squeezer” – Maputo, Mozambique
Inside of Saint Antonio Catholic Church, Maputo
Dutch Reformed Church – Swellendam, South Africa
Another stunning Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa. The Dutch Reformed Church in Swellendam is the second church on the site and dates from 1910. The church is in a prominent site on the main street, next to Church Square.
Dutch Reformed Church – Swellendam, South Africa
Christ Church – Windhoek, Namibia
One of Namibia’s historic landmark. Christ Church in Windhoek was dedicated as the Church of Peace in 1910 after the wars between the Germans and the Khoikhoi, Herero, and Ovambo.
Christ Church – Windhoek, Namibia
New Church of St. Mary of Zion – Tigray, Ethiopia
Located in the town of Axum in the Tigray Province. The new church was built by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1950s. Although the present building is relatively new, the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion has impressively ancient roots.
New Church of St. Mary of Zion – Tigray, Ethiopia
New Church of St. Mary of Zion – Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia
Casablanca Cathedral (Sacred Heart of Jesus) – Casablanca, Morocco
Designed by French architect Paul Tournon, the former Roman Catholic church located in Casablanca was built in 1930. Commonly called a cathedral although in has never had a bishop. After the independence of Morocco in 1956 it ceased serving as a religious place and became a cultural centre which is open to tourists. The church is regarded as one of the most “breathtaking” 20th century architecture in Africa.
Casablanca Cathedral (Sacred Heart of Jesus) – Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca Cathedral – Casablanca, Morocco
Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral – Aswan, Egypt
It is largest Christian church in Egypt and the Middle East. The Church belongs to the Oriental Orthodox family of churches. Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral Aswan consecrated in 2006. The cathedral is named after St. Mark the Evangelist, an apostle of Jesus and founder of the Coptic Church.
Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral – Aswan, Egypt
Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral – Aswan, Egypt
Notre Dame d’Afrique (Basilica of Our Lady of Africa) – Algiers, Algeria
The church was constructed from 1858 and was finally inaugurated by Cardinal Lavigerie in 1872; after fourteen years of construction. It was design by French architect, Jean Eugène Fromageau. After the 2003 Boumerdes earthquake, the church restored for a total cost of 5.1 million euros in 2007.
Notre Dame d’Afrique (Basilica of Our Lady of Africa) – Algiers, Algeria
Notre Dame d’Afrique (Basilica of Our Lady of Africa) – Algiers, Algeria
