Elmina Castle is a historic fortress located in the town of Elmina, Ghana. It was built by the Portuguese in the late 15th century and was later taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century. The castle served as a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade, where thousands of enslaved Africans were held captive before being shipped off to the Americas.
The castle is made up of several buildings, including a chapel, a prison, and various living quarters for the castle's inhabitants. The most notable feature of the castle is its imposing white-washed walls and watchtowers, which overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors to Elmina Castle can take a guided tour of the castle's interior, which includes a visit to the cramped and dark dungeons where enslaved Africans were held captive. The tour also includes a visit to the "Door of No Return," a small opening in the castle's walls through which enslaved Africans were forced to pass before being loaded onto ships bound for the Americas.
Today, Elmina Castle serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 AM,
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM