White towers
Two matching square towers.
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The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories is the main Catholic church in Dakar and the seat of its archdiocese. It stands out in the centre of the capital with two square white towers and a large pale yellow dome, a simply lined building unlike those around it. It was built on the site of an old Lebu cemetery, on land granted to the church by the government. Construction began in 1924, and Cardinal Jean Verdier, Archbishop of Paris, consecrated it 12 years later on 2 February 1936. The inscription above the entrance was changed to its current wording in 1964. The funeral of former President Léopold Senghor took place here in 2001. Cardinal Hyacinthe Thiandoum, who died in 2004, is buried behind the altar, near the statue of the cathedral's patron. From outside you see a white front with broad steps and a large inscription above the door, twin towers with narrow openings and a dome ringed by smaller domes. The warm colours show up best in late-day light. Around it run the lively streets of central Dakar, with markets and government buildings. The cathedral lies about 1.5 km from the Grand Mosque of Dakar and 3.2 km from the city centre in a straight line. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and keep your voice down, avoid mass times and ask before taking photographs inside. Its doors may be closed outside service hours.
Two matching square towers.
A big dome ringed by smaller ones.
A white entrance with broad stairs.
Central Dakar, Senegal
Usually yes outside mass, though it may be closed at some hours.
Work began in 1924, and it was consecrated on 2 February 1936.
