Wallis Futuna: Church Extravaganza

Nothing prepares you for the number, uniqueness, and architecture of the churches on Wallis. All Roman Catholic, they are massive structures build of black lava stone and white coral limestone with colorful windows and doors and interior almost overloaded with local Polynesian motives, paintings, and carvings. For an island where most buildings and houses are simple one story structures – the churches are almost like ancient pyramids – 4-6 stories with towers and futuristic designs. Many stand right on the ocean’s edge. And the sheer number of them (I probably counted over a dozen) on a small island with a 1000 people is mindboggling.
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