La Pyramide

Abidjan


Some of the buildings of Le Plateau are as breathtaking up close as from a distance. La Pyramide, designed by the Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri and built between 1970 and 1973, was the first daring structure and is considered a highlight of African modernism in architecture. A concrete pyramid striped horizontally with balconies, it rests upon a gigantic cubic pillar, lifting itself over the city's skyline.

The building housed expats and other Abidjan elite in the body of the pyramid, while the ground floor was reserved for commercial purposes. It deteriorated significantly in the 1990s, however, when it was deserted at the onset of political troubles. It is still waiting for renovation.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Abidjan attractions

1. Cathedrale St Paul

0.77 MILES

Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spiritom, the Cathedrale St Paul is a bold and innovative modern cathedral. The stained glass is as warm and rich as…

2. Hôtel Ivoire

0.89 MILES

Every middle-class Abidjani holds a dear memory of Hôtel Ivoire. Built in 1963 by Israeli architect Moshe Mayer, it was the place in town to go ice…

3. Musée National

0.94 MILES

The national museum houses a dusty but interesting collection of traditional art and craftwork, including wooden statues and masks, pottery, ivory and…

4. Marché de Cocody

1.29 MILES

The super lively Marché de Cocody is a labyrinth of stalls that offer every type of souvenir you can possibly imagine, including wooden sculptures and…

5. Galerie Cécile Fakhoury

1.93 MILES

An absolute trove of African contemporary art, this cubical, 600-sq-metre gallery features the best of the continent's artists, from sculpture and…

6. Parc du Banco

4.34 MILES

On the northwest edge of town is the cool and shaded Parc du Banco rainforest reserve. It has pleasant walking trails, majestic trees and a lake, but you…

7. Market

20.96 MILES

The town market has food and souvenirs to pick from. You can find fruit and vegetables, meat, smoked fish, nuts and tons of clothing, fabrics and…

8. Nick Amon's Art Gallery

21 MILES

One of Côte d'Ivoire's most respected contemporary artists, Amon will greet you with paint-splattered clothing and a warm smile. His canvases start at…