with seating for 3,500, with the remainder being standing space. The cathedral accommodates a Christian room for prayer, salt catechesis, offices of the parish, residence for the clergy (the bishops and priests), a library, a religious museum, a conference hall and media rooms. The cathedral has six stained glass windows covering a total surface area of , which were also designed by Aldo Spirito. The artistic imagery inside the cathedral is not only Biblical in theme but also has a special focus on the Ivorian peoples’ faith in Christianity. In addition, the interior of the cathedral is embellished with paintings of the Virtues, mosaics of the Sacraments and twelve panels made in polychrome ceramics. The stained glass panels were designed to withstand a wind pressure caused by wind velocity of /hour. The themes for each panel are related to the life of St. Paul. There are large paintings near the altar, x, which depict themes different from those drawn on the stained glass windows. The themes chosen are specific to the propagation of the Virtues of the Cross – Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, and Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Justice, Prudence and Courage, displayed through abstract and angelic figures. Mixed colour techniques have been used in painting on the canvas; mono or bi-color brushed in asymmetric positions have been used for the background while angels painted in bright colours are highlighted. The notable feature of the stained glass window near the altar is the journey of St. Paul to Damascus. The stained glass panel on the left side wall facing the altar has features drawn on St Paul's lifetime activities; on the left side of the panel he is shown penning letters to the people of different denominations; the middle part shows his tour to Rome to be judged by the Pope, and at the lowest part is his giving sermon to people of various denominations. The panel on the right wall facing the altar is similar to the one of the left wall but is dated 28 October representing the earliest stage of interaction with the people of Grand Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire and the visiting evangelist in the process of proselytization. Another alluring stained glass panel is of Jesus showing the way forward with a storm brewing in Lake Galillee. Also is a panel in which the evangelists are shown landing on the shores of Africa, joyously surveying the local people, the wild animals such as elephants and gazelles and the vegetation of palm trees. References Bibliography Category:Buildings and structures in Abidjan Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in Ivory Coast Category:Modernist architecture Category:1985 establishments in Ivory Coast