Yamoussoukro Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace of Yamoussoukro is the sprawling residence built for Félix Houphouët-Boigny in his home town, which he transformed into the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Surrounded by artificial lakes said to be stocked with sacred crocodiles, the compound became a symbol of his ambition to grant his birthplace the trappings of a great capital. Crowds still gather along the lakeshore to watch the reptiles fed near the palace walls. It sits amid the broad boulevards of the planned city.