Elmina Castle Elmina, Ghana ☎ +233 20 179 6793 Last Updated: 03/22/2024 | |
Elmina Castle is a historic landmark located on the coast of Ghana, specifically in the town of Elmina, which is about 12 kilometers west of Cape Coast. It is one of the oldest European-built structures in Africa and holds immense historical significance. | |
Constructed by the Portuguese in the late 15th century, Elmina Castle was originally known as São Jorge da Mina and served as a trading post for gold, ivory, and later, slaves. It played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a hub where enslaved Africans were held captive before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. The castle changed hands several times during its history, passing from the Portuguese to the Dutch in the 17th century. Under Dutch control, it was known as Fort Amsterdam. The Dutch expanded the castle and used it for both trade and the imprisonment of enslaved Africans. Today, Elmina Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a somber reminder of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. It has been preserved as a museum and memorial, allowing visitors to learn about the castle's history and the impact of the slave trade on Africa and the world. Many people visit Elmina Castle each year to pay homage to the millions of Africans who suffered and died in the brutal conditions of the transatlantic slave trade. |
Ghana Place » Tourism Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean to the south. Accra, its capital city, is situated along the country's southern coast. Its population was approximately 34,237,620 in 2023. 301 views 💖 1Ghana | |
Cape Coast Castle Place » Historical Place Cape Coast Castle is another significant historical site located along the coast of Ghana, near the town of Cape Coast. Similar to Elmina Castle, it played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 238 views 💖 1Victoria Rd, Cape Coast, Ghana |