The Plateau's principal mosque is instantly recognisable from the deep blue dome and a minaret of about 65 metres that stands over the bus terminal. Covering some 7,500 m² and able to hold around 6,500 worshippers, it was begun in 1996 under President Henri Konan Bédié, stalled for years during the crisis decade, and completed with Saudi funding. Modest dress is required, shoes come off at the carpet line, and women should cover their hair; the courtyard and the exterior are the parts most visitors see.
Visitors approach the Mosquée Salam through the plaza beside the Plateau bus terminal, where the deep blue dome and the roughly 65-metre minaret dominate the view long before the entrance is reached. Most visits are confined to the courtyard and the exterior arcades, since the prayer hall itself, able to seat around 6,500 worshippers across some 7,500 square metres, is generally reserved for worshippers rather than sightseers; staff at the entrance can advise on whether a respectful look inside is possible at a given time. The building's construction history is itself part of the visit's interest: begun in 1996 under President Henri Konan Bédié, it stood unfinished for years during the political crisis of the 2000s before being completed with Saudi funding, and the contrast between the older lower structure and the more recent dome and minaret is visible on close inspection. A courtyard visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, including time to view the exterior from several angles. Modest dress is required throughout, shoes come off at the carpet line if entering any covered area, and women should cover their hair; visitors who are unsure of etiquette should simply follow the lead of mosque staff. Mid-morning on a weekday, between the dawn and midday prayers, is calmest, while the courtyard fills for the five daily prayers and is at its busiest and least appropriate for casual visiting around midday on Fridays.
| Admission | Free; a donation to the mosque office is customary |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open for the five daily prayers; non-Muslim visitors are received outside prayer times, and Friday midday is best avoided |
| Typical visit | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning on a weekday, between the dawn and midday prayers, when the courtyard is calm |
| Getting there | Directly beside the Plateau bus terminal, so every SOTRA bus and woro-woro into the Plateau stops within a minute's walk |
| Address | Avenue Crosson-Duplessis at Avenue Lamblin, Le Plateau, Abidjan |
Location
Avenue Crosson-Duplessis at Avenue Lamblin, Le Plateau, Abidjan
5.3194, -4.0157 View on map
Highlights
- 65-metre minaret and deep blue dome over the Plateau bus terminal
- Courtyard capacity of around 6,500 worshippers across 7,500 m²
- Construction history spanning 1996 to completion with Saudi funding
- Central location directly beside the city's main bus terminal
- Arcaded courtyard open to respectful non-Muslim visitors
Tips for visiting
- Visit outside the five daily prayer times, and avoid Friday midday entirely
- Dress modestly; shoes come off before entering any covered prayer area
- Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair
- A donation to the mosque office is customary for non-worshipper visitors
- The courtyard and exterior, rather than the prayer hall, are what most visitors see
When to visit
Mid-morning on a weekday, between the dawn and midday prayers, is quietest and most welcoming for visitors.
Accessibility
The courtyard is reached via level paving, but there are no dedicated wheelchair facilities, and the carpet-line threshold into covered areas can be a step up in places.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes covers the courtyard and exterior.
Can non-Muslims enter the prayer hall?
Access to the prayer hall is generally reserved for worshippers; visitors should ask mosque staff about a respectful look inside outside prayer times.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and courtyard is generally fine; visitors should ask before photographing worshippers.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free, though a donation to the mosque office is customary.