Elmina Castle, located in Elmina in Ghana’s Central Region, is one of the country’s most significant historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa and served as a key trading post during the transatlantic slave trade.
Visitors to the castle are transported back in time as they explore its haunting dungeons, holding cells, and the infamous “Door of No Return,” through which enslaved Africans were shipped to the Americas. The castle also features a chapel, governor’s quarters, and a museum that provides historical context and exhibits on Ghana’s colonial past. As a tourist attraction, Elmina Castle offers a profound experience that blends history, education, and reflection.