Basilica of Our Lady of Peace belongs to the Common Era — dated here to c. 1990 CE at Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. Dates mark a scholarly centre of gravity (dedication, completion, or iconic phase), not a single foundation day.
A dome complex inspired by St. Peter’s — among the largest churches on Earth, in a planned capital.
How it amazes the brain
Lebanese architect Pierre Fakhoury’s dome and colonnades in air-conditioned marble.
Why it counts as a wonder
It never needed a contest ballot to scramble the brain: scale, craft, or sheer improbability is enough.
Scale as national aspiration — controversial and unforgettable.
On dating
CE means years after the traditional birth of Christ. A monument listed as c. 1990 CE may have been founded earlier, rebuilt later, or become famous only in one phase. Engineering wonders (dams, tunnels, orbiting labs) are dated to opening or assembly.
This is story 93 of 100 in The Trend Ledger’s illustrated desk on world wonders raised after the birth of Christ — the companions to our BCE series.