Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
Location: Coastal Ghana
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Forts and Castles of Ghana are a series of European-built fortifications that were used for the transatlantic slave trade. The forts and castles were built by various European powers between the 15th and 18th centuries, and they played a major role in the slave trade in West Africa. Today, the forts and castles serve as a reminder of the tragic history of the slave trade, and they are an important part of Ghana's cultural heritage.
Prominent Features: The Forts and Castles of Ghana include a number of prominent features, such as:
Elmina Castle: Built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Elmina Castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. It was also one of the most important trading posts for the transatlantic slave trade.
Cape Coast Castle: Built by the British in the 17th century, Cape Coast Castle was one of the largest slave trading posts in West Africa.
Fort St. Jago: Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, Fort St. Jago is located on a hill overlooking Elmina Castle and served as a strategic military outpost.
History: The forts and castles were built by various European powers during the period of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa. The European powers established trading posts along the coast of West Africa, which were used to transport slaves from Africa to the Americas. The forts and castles played a major role in the slave trade, serving as holding cells for the captured Africans before they were loaded onto ships and transported across the Atlantic.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the forts and castles and learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa. They can also visit local markets and museums to see traditional crafts and learn about Ghanaian culture.
Fun Fact: Despite their dark history, the forts and castles are now recognized as a symbol of the resilience of the African people in the face of oppression and injustice.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific fort or castle, but they generally range from 10 to 40 Ghanaian cedis (approximately 1.5 to 7 US dollars).
How to Reach It: The forts and castles are located along the coast of Ghana and can be reached by car or public transportation from the major cities of Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi. These are the 15 sites making the listing.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in the cities of Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi that cater to visitors, ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury options. Some of the forts and castles also have guesthouses on-site for visitors who want to stay in the historic buildings.
Next Stop: Asante Traditional Buildings
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Forts and Castles of Ghana are a series of European-built fortifications that were used for the transatlantic slave trade. The forts and castles were built by various European powers between the 15th and 18th centuries, and they played a major role in the slave trade in West Africa. Today, the forts and castles serve as a reminder of the tragic history of the slave trade, and they are an important part of Ghana's cultural heritage.
Prominent Features: The Forts and Castles of Ghana include a number of prominent features, such as:
Elmina Castle: Built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Elmina Castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. It was also one of the most important trading posts for the transatlantic slave trade.
Cape Coast Castle: Built by the British in the 17th century, Cape Coast Castle was one of the largest slave trading posts in West Africa.
Fort St. Jago: Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, Fort St. Jago is located on a hill overlooking Elmina Castle and served as a strategic military outpost.
History: The forts and castles were built by various European powers during the period of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa. The European powers established trading posts along the coast of West Africa, which were used to transport slaves from Africa to the Americas. The forts and castles played a major role in the slave trade, serving as holding cells for the captured Africans before they were loaded onto ships and transported across the Atlantic.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the forts and castles and learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa. They can also visit local markets and museums to see traditional crafts and learn about Ghanaian culture.
Fun Fact: Despite their dark history, the forts and castles are now recognized as a symbol of the resilience of the African people in the face of oppression and injustice.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific fort or castle, but they generally range from 10 to 40 Ghanaian cedis (approximately 1.5 to 7 US dollars).
How to Reach It: The forts and castles are located along the coast of Ghana and can be reached by car or public transportation from the major cities of Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi. These are the 15 sites making the listing.
- Cape Coast Castle - Cape Coast, Ghana
- Elmina Castle - Elmina, Ghana
- Fort Amsterdam - Abandze, Ghana
- Fort Apollonia - Beyin, Ghana
- Fort Batenstein - Butre, Ghana
- Fort Coenraadsburg - Elmina, Ghana
- Fort Metal Cross - Dixcove, Ghana
- Fort Good Hope - Senya Beraku, Ghana
- Fort Saint Anthony - Axim, Ghana
- Fort San Sebastian - Shama, Ghana
- Fort Sao Jago da Mina - Elmina, Ghana
- James Fort - Accra, Ghana
- Fort Patience - Apam, Ghana
- Fort Saint Jago - Elmina, Ghana
- Fort Victoria - Cape Coast, Ghana
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in the cities of Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi that cater to visitors, ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury options. Some of the forts and castles also have guesthouses on-site for visitors who want to stay in the historic buildings.
Next Stop: Asante Traditional Buildings