Island of Saint-Louis
Location: Saint-Louis, Senegal
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Island of Saint-Louis is located off the northwest coast of Senegal, in the mouth of the Senegal River. It was founded in the 17th century as a French colonial trading post, and served as the capital of Senegal until 1957. The island is home to numerous colonial-era buildings and landmarks, and is an excellent example of a historic African port city.
Prominent Features: The Island of Saint-Louis is home to numerous colonial-era buildings and landmarks, including:
Place Faidherbe: A central square on the island that was named after the French governor who oversaw the construction of many of the island's colonial buildings.
The Governor's Palace: A large colonial-era building that served as the residence of the French governor of Senegal.
The Saint-Louis Cathedral: A historic Catholic church located on the island, which was built in the 19th century.
The Langue de Barbarie National Park: A national park located on the mainland opposite the island, which is home to numerous bird species and other wildlife.
History: The Island of Saint-Louis was founded in the 17th century by French traders as a trading post for gold and slaves. The island quickly grew into an important center of commerce and administration, and served as the capital of Senegal during the colonial period. The island's colonial-era architecture and landmarks are a testament to its rich history as a trading hub and colonial outpost.
Fun Fact: The island is home to the famous Faidherbe Bridge: The Faidherbe Bridge is a historic iron bridge that spans the Senegal River, connecting the island of Saint-Louis to the mainland. It was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the island's colonial-era buildings and landmarks, visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park to see wildlife and birds, and take boat tours of the Senegal River.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Island of Saint-Louis.
How to Reach It: The Island of Saint-Louis can be reached by road or by boat. There are regular buses and taxis from Dakar to Saint-Louis, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Dakar to Saint-Louis, which takes around 24 hours.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located on the Island of Saint-Louis, including the Hotel La Résidence, the La Maison Rose Hotel, and the Hotel de la Poste.
Next Stop: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Island of Saint-Louis is located off the northwest coast of Senegal, in the mouth of the Senegal River. It was founded in the 17th century as a French colonial trading post, and served as the capital of Senegal until 1957. The island is home to numerous colonial-era buildings and landmarks, and is an excellent example of a historic African port city.
Prominent Features: The Island of Saint-Louis is home to numerous colonial-era buildings and landmarks, including:
Place Faidherbe: A central square on the island that was named after the French governor who oversaw the construction of many of the island's colonial buildings.
The Governor's Palace: A large colonial-era building that served as the residence of the French governor of Senegal.
The Saint-Louis Cathedral: A historic Catholic church located on the island, which was built in the 19th century.
The Langue de Barbarie National Park: A national park located on the mainland opposite the island, which is home to numerous bird species and other wildlife.
History: The Island of Saint-Louis was founded in the 17th century by French traders as a trading post for gold and slaves. The island quickly grew into an important center of commerce and administration, and served as the capital of Senegal during the colonial period. The island's colonial-era architecture and landmarks are a testament to its rich history as a trading hub and colonial outpost.
Fun Fact: The island is home to the famous Faidherbe Bridge: The Faidherbe Bridge is a historic iron bridge that spans the Senegal River, connecting the island of Saint-Louis to the mainland. It was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the island's colonial-era buildings and landmarks, visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park to see wildlife and birds, and take boat tours of the Senegal River.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Island of Saint-Louis.
How to Reach It: The Island of Saint-Louis can be reached by road or by boat. There are regular buses and taxis from Dakar to Saint-Louis, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Dakar to Saint-Louis, which takes around 24 hours.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located on the Island of Saint-Louis, including the Hotel La Résidence, the La Maison Rose Hotel, and the Hotel de la Poste.
Next Stop: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary