Built between 1903 and 1909 under the direction of Bishop Louis Dartois (1861–1905), first Apostolic Vicar of Dahomey, and carried out by Father François Steinmetz (1868–1952), the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Ouidah is a Neo Gothic building with a Latin cross plan. Its façade, flanked by an unfinished bell tower — the planned spire was never built — dominates the city centre. The nave measures 58 metres in length by 14 in width. Elevated to the rank of minor basilica by John Paul II on 9 November 1989, it stands as a major architectural landmark of Ouidah and Beninese religious heritage.

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Ouidah

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Ouidah

Benin, Ouidah, basilica, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Neo-Gothic architecture, Catholic church, façade, bell tower, Latin cross, religious heritage, West Africa, missionaries, SMA, Society of African Missions, Louis Dartois, François Steinmetz, minor basilica, 1903, 1909, John Paul II, exterior, colonial architecture, Dahomey; places of worship, Churches

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Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Ouidah

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Tarek Charara

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23/02/2026

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23/02/2026

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Built between 1903 and 1909 under the direction of Bishop Louis Dartois (1861–1905), first Apostolic Vicar of Dahomey, and carried out by Father François Steinmetz (1868–1952), the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Ouidah is a Neo-Gothic building with a Latin cross plan. Its façade, flanked by an unfinished bell tower — the planned spire was never built — dominates the city centre. The nave measures 58 metres in length by 14 in width. Elevated to the rank of minor basilica by John Paul II on 9 November 1989, it stands as a major architectural landmark of Ouidah and Beninese religious heritage.

Photographer:

Tarek Charara

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