elmina_castle

elmina, ghana

Elmina Castle, located in Elmina, Ghana, is the oldest European-built structure in sub-Saharan Africa, constructed by the Portuguese in 1482. It later became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade, controlled by the Dutch and British. Enslaved Africans were held in dark, overcrowded dungeons before being shipped across the Atlantic through the "Door of No Return." Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful historical landmark with guided tours, a museum, and breathtaking coastal views. The best time to visit is year-round, with entry fees around $5–$10 per person. It is accessible via a 3-hour drive from Accra, Ghana’s capital.