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Temples & religious sites

Cotonou Cathedral

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Cotonou Cathedral

Cotonou Cathedral

This Catholic cathedral is a religious landmark located near the old bridge in Cotonou. Visitors typically visit for its architectural style, specifically the reddish-brown and white striped tile facade, which is a common subject for photography.

Getting There

The cathedral is centrally located within Cotonou. From the city center, it is accessible via short taxi or zemidjan (motorcycle taxi) rides. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey usually takes between 5 to 15 minutes.

Visit Duration

Most visitors spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes at the site to view the exterior architecture and the interior of the sanctuary.

When to Visit

The site is accessible throughout the year. To avoid the midday heat, morning or late afternoon visits are recommended. The area can become crowded during Sunday mass and major Catholic holidays.

Nearby Attractions

The cathedral's location allows for easy combination with other local sites. You can visit the following nearby points of interest:

  • Ancien Pont Bridge: 0.4km
  • Ouémé River: 0.6km
  • Dantokpa Market: 1.8km
  • Presidential Palace, Cotonou: 3.4km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Cotonou Cathedral

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Cotonou Cathedral Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Cotonou 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Cotonou grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Ancien Pont Bridge

Views & landmarks

Ancien Pont Bridge

This bridge crosses the lagoon running through downtown Cotonou and was built in 1928. It's a pleasant place to walk across an old bridge linking both sides of the city while taking in the scenery.

0.4 km away
Ouémé River

Nature

Ouémé River

A river in Benin that rises in the Atacora Mountains and flows into the Gulf of Guinea. It forms a delta near Cotonou and runs about 510 km in total length.

0.6 km away
Dantokpa Market

Shopping & districts

Dantokpa Market

The largest open-air market in West Africa, spanning over 20 hectares. It's a great spot to browse a wide variety of goods and observe local daily life amid a lively atmosphere.

1.8 km away
Presidential Palace, Cotonou

Castles & palaces

Presidential Palace, Cotonou

A government building in Cotonou, Benin, where cabinet meetings and the president's diplomatic events take place. As a symbol of Cotonou's political life, it's worth including on a city visit.

3.4 km away
Amazon Monument

Heritage & monuments

Amazon Monument

A bronze statue honoring the Dahomey Amazon warriors, standing 30 meters tall and ranked as the second-tallest statue in Africa. It rises above the Esplanade des Amazones in Cotonou as one of the city's landmark sights.

3.6 km away
Red Star Square

Parks & gardens

Red Star Square

A square in the heart of Cotonou, marked by a large red star sculpture that serves as a symbolic landmark of the city. Shops and street stalls line the surrounding area, making it a pleasant place to stroll and soak up the local atmosphere.

3.7 km away