Togoville Cathedral
Maritime (Région)
Togoville Cathedral, constructed in 1910, stands as a significant religious and cultural landmark in the town of Togoville, located on the northern shore of Lake Togo in southern Togo. The cathedral includes a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, commemorating an apparition said to have occurred on November 7 in the early 1970s. This sacred site is situated near traditional voodoo shrines and a sacred forest, reflecting the area's deep spiritual heritage and syncretism between Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Togoville itself is historically important as the place where German colonial authority was established following the 1884 treaty signed by local king Mlapa III. West of the cathedral lies the Maison Royale, a small museum preserving the royal throne and historical artifacts, linking the religious site to the broader cultural and political history of the region. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and a focal point for visitors interested in Togoville's rich history and spiritual traditions.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral during the dry season for better weather and to visit the nearby Maison Royale museum to gain insight into the local history. It is recommended to respect local customs, especially around voodoo shrines and sacred forests. Advance arrangements may be necessary for guided tours. Modest entrance fees or donations may apply, with possible concessions for students or groups.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral includes a shrine commemorating a Virgin Mary apparition on November 7 in the early 1970s.
- •Togoville was the site of a treaty in 1884 where Germany claimed dominion over the region.
- •Nearby voodoo shrines and a sacred forest highlight the area's spiritual diversity.
- •The Maison Royale museum near the cathedral houses the throne of King Mlapa and historic relics.
- •A monument was erected in 1984 to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1884 treaty.
History
Togoville Cathedral was built in 1910 during the colonial period following the 1884 treaty in which King Mlapa III ceded authority to Germany.
The cathedral gained additional significance in the early 1970s with the establishment of a shrine marking the Virgin Mary's apparition.
Over the decades, the cathedral has stood as a symbol of the fusion of Christian and indigenous religious practices in Togoville.
The town itself has a long history as a kingdom divided into five villages before colonization, with its rulers exercising control over the Lake Togo area and its sacred forests.
Place Guide
Togoville Cathedral Main Church1910
The central place of worship built in 1910, featuring colonial-era architecture and the sacred shrine to the Virgin Mary.
Virgin Mary Shrine1970s
A dedicated shrine within the cathedral complex marking the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared on November 7 in the early 1970s.
Maison Royale Museum
Located west of the cathedral, this small museum houses the throne of King Mlapa and various historical artifacts and photographs related to Togoville's royal dynasty.
Contact
Phone: 91 52 89 63