Elmina Castle
Central
Elmina Castle, originally known as Castelo de São Jorge da Mina, was established by the Portuguese in 1482 on the coast of present-day Ghana. It is the oldest surviving European building in Sub-Saharan Africa and was initially a trading post for gold and other goods. Later, it became a central hub in the Atlantic slave trade, passing from Portuguese to Dutch control in the 17th century, and eventually to the British in the 19th century. The castle's architecture features fortified walls and dungeons that were used to hold enslaved Africans before their forced transport. Today, Elmina Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a poignant insight into the region's complex history. It also served as a filming location for Werner Herzog's film "Cobra Verde" in 1987. The castle stands as a powerful symbol of Ghana's colonial past and resilience.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry season for the best experience and consider purchasing tickets on-site as no advance registration is required. Exploring nearby Fort St. Jago is also recommended for a broader understanding of the area's history. Guided tours are available and provide deeper insights into the castle's role in the Atlantic slave trade. Discounts may be available for groups and students.
Faits intéressants
- •Elmina Castle is the oldest surviving European building in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- •It was a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade under Portuguese and Dutch control.
- •The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other Ghanaian forts and castles.
- •Werner Herzog filmed parts of his 1987 drama 'Cobra Verde' at Elmina Castle.
- •The castle was originally named Castelo de São Jorge da Mina, meaning St. George of the Mine Castle.
Histoire
Elmina Castle was constructed by the Portuguese in 1482 as a fortified trading post on the Gold Coast, primarily to control the gold trade.
It was the first European structure of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Dutch captured the castle in 1637 and continued its use in the Atlantic slave trade until the early 19th century.
In 1872, the castle came under British control following a treaty with the Dutch.
Ghana gained independence in 1957 and now manages the site as a historical monument and museum.
Guide du lieu
The Dungeons1482
The underground dungeons where enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic. These dark, cramped spaces reveal the brutal conditions endured during the slave trade era.
The Portuguese Courtyard1482
An open courtyard surrounded by the castle's fortified walls, used for trade and daily activities during the Portuguese period.
The Chapel1482
A small chapel built within the castle complex reflecting the religious motives of the Portuguese colonizers and their efforts at Christian proselytism.
The Dutch Bastion1637
Fortifications added by the Dutch after they seized the castle in 1637, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
Contact
Téléphone: 020 179 6793