The green roof
Glazed tiles.
Henri van der Noot — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Africany — CC0 · Africany — CC0 · Kani Beat — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Africany — CC0
The Basilica of Saint Anne of the Congo is a minor basilica in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo, and one of the city's landmark buildings. It is known for its shining green roof, tall pointed spire and sharp arches shaped like spear tips. Visitors come for architecture that blends European methods with African elements. In 1936 Bishop Biéchy decided to build a large church in the Poto-Poto district for its many converts. In 1940 Governor-General Félix Éboué chose its site where the districts meet, and work began on 13 March 1943. The architect Roger Erell designed it, fusing European techniques with local cultural elements. You see a building of brown and red stone under roofs of glazed green tiles, with a slender pointed spire in the same colour. Tall pointed arches repeat across the facades like hands pressed together. A broad square, garden and trees lie in front, and it rises above the district's rooftops. It is about 4.6 km from central Brazzaville in a straight line, and the Brazza Memorial about 1 km away. Dress modestly, respect Mass times and ask before taking photos inside.
Glazed tiles.
Like spear tips.
Slender and pointed.
Between Poto-Poto and La Plaine, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
The architect Roger Erell, blending European and African styles.
Usually yes outside Mass.
