Where It's Located
The Praia Cape Verde Temple is located at Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, Bairro Taiti, 7600 Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde. The temple stands in the capital city of Praia, in the historic Plateau area, adjacent to the National Library of Cape Verde. A meetinghouse shares the 4.46-acre (1.8-hectare) site, which is beautifully landscaped with tropical flowers, palm trees, and gathering plazas. The property also includes an arrival center and a distribution center, though there is no visitors' center or patron housing.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), located about 4 miles (6 kilometers) northeast of the temple. Travelers from the United States typically reach Praia through connecting flights via Lisbon, Boston, or other European hubs. From the airport, the temple is generally a 10- to 15-minute drive, making it one of the most accessible temples in West Africa.
A Bit of History
The Praia Cape Verde Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the October 2018 General Conference on October 7, 2018. It became the 173rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first temple in Cape Verde, the first temple in the Macaronesia islands, and the third temple in West Africa. At the time of the announcement, Church membership in Cape Verde had grown to approximately 14,700 members organized into three stakes and two districts, after missionary work had expanded rapidly since the 1990s.
Groundbreaking services were held on May 4, 2019, with Elder Paul V. Johnson, President of the Europe Area, presiding. During the ceremony, he reminded members that the temple was evidence the Lord remembers "His children upon the isles of the sea." More than 10,000 visitors toured the temple during the public open house from May 21 through June 11, 2022. Elder Neil L. Andersen dedicated the temple on June 19, 2022, calling it one of the most significant days in the history of Cape Verde.
Design and Architecture
The Praia Cape Verde Temple contains approximately 8,759 square feet (814 square meters) of floor space. Its exterior features painted hand-troweled stucco combined with Moleanos limestone imported from Portugal. The temple's single attached end tower is topped by a graceful dome that reflects architectural styles commonly found throughout Cape Verde.
Inside, the temple includes one instruction room, one sealing room, and one baptistry. Although modest in size, the temple provides all the sacred spaces necessary to serve members across the island nation. Tropical landscaping, colorful flowers, and elegant plazas create a peaceful atmosphere that beautifully complements the coastal surroundings.
Final Thoughts
The Praia Cape Verde Temple represents a historic milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Africa. As the first temple in Cape Verde, it has brought sacred temple ordinances much closer to faithful members who once traveled across continents to worship in the house of the Lord. Today, it serves members from four stakes and one district throughout Cape Verde and stands as a lasting symbol of faith and the remarkable growth of the Church across the islands.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
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