Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast
Facts and practical information
Cape Coast Castle is a poignant historical landmark in the coastal city of Cape Coast, Ghana, serving as a stark reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. This white-washed fortress, originally built by the Swedish in the mid-17th century and later expanded by the British, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and was once one of the largest slave-holding sites in West Africa.
The castle is known for its "Door of No Return," a portal through which millions of enslaved Africans passed before being shipped to the Americas. Today, visitors can explore the dungeons where slaves were held, walk through the corridors where merchants and officers lived, and stand in the courtyard that once bustled with the commerce of human lives.
Cape Coast Castle is not only a symbol of a dark chapter in human history but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as a museum and educational center, offering guided tours that provide insights into the conditions of the enslaved and the operations of the trade. The castle also features a series of poignant exhibits and memorials dedicated to the victims of the slave trade.
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