Spectacular basilica in Mongomo

The imposing architectural splendour that is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea. It makes one gape, then lose breathe, for some minutes, if you like, in excess of an hour.
The drive as you ascend allows you to take in the beauty, a portion at a time, right from the apex that reveals the cross, down to the cupola, in dark grey. Right below, is the church bell and, as the driver propels us uphill, the church structure embellished with colourful Roman windows, is in partial view.
It is decked in palm trees that complement the tarmacked car park doting with greenery of nature. The off-white concrete walls stand side by side with neat lawn, hedge of flowers and trees in a conspicuously beautiful contrast of colours.

Beauty
The art lies in the architectural erect whose showcase is an eye rouser thanks to walkways on two adjacent sides, lined with poles and in their midst, atop, are lamps.
The church compound is a lively open air area, with doves feeding from the ground and flying into the space. There is sitting space, for relaxation and photographic moments.
The entrance to the Basilica is through a gigantic mahogany door that opens up to a colourful interior, from top, midway and all the way to the bottom.
You will learn so much about Christianity as a faith when you get in and open up to the artistic impressions of the life of Jesus Christ, his journey on earth and crossing from death and into resurrection.

Did you know?
The Basilica of Immaculate Conception is one of the largest religious buildings in Africa, a beauty perched at the hilltop. Like the dictionary.com definition elaborates, Mongomo’s Basilica tells of an early Christian or medieval church characterised by a nave, four side aisles, a semi-circular apse, narthex ex, and I add, some strong pillars that have held it through the years, Pinterest ranks it as one of 47 religious destination worth your time and visit.

History of the basilica
Consecrated by the Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, the Basilica has a capacity to accommodate one thousand faithful, and as the name suggests is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Equatorial Guinea. Wikipedia also adds that inside the basilica is a replica of the Esperanza Macarena venerates, which was brought from Seville, Spain.

Hot tip
The Basilica of Immaculate Conception is second to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace located in Ivory Coast. Wikipedia reports that the basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 with different cost estimates given by various groups. The amount of money spent on its constructed is in millions of US dollars, illuminated in its designs of the dome and encircled plaza are clearly inspired by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City, in Italy.