Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Cotonou

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy in Cotonou is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Benin's largest city, distinctive for its red-and-white striped brick facade. Built in the colonial era, its bold banded masonry and twin towers make it one of the most photographed churches in the country. The cathedral stands near the waterfront and the busy Dantokpa area, serving the substantial Catholic community. Its striking colour scheme and prominent site have made it an emblem of Cotonou and a landmark of Beninese religious architecture.