CAPE COAST CASTLE

The Cape Coast Castle is a must-see place in Ghana. Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it attracts more than 4,000 visitors per year! The castle is indeed one of the most popular sights of the country. The construction of the fort began in 1653, with the Swedes (it was then called Carolusborg). The castle was then enlarged according to the owners of the place, until 1665, when the English transformed it definitively into a castle. The building, whose size and strength are very impressive, served as the seat of the British government until 1877. The slaves were locked up there in appalling conditions. The governor, on the other hand, had sumptuous apartments overlooking the sea. An almost frightening discrepancy between the conditions of men living at the same time and in the same compound. The castle houses a museum that presents a history of slavery as well as the history of the country, and more particularly that of the Central Region. A plaque commemorates the visit of the presidential couple Obama on this place of memorial pilgrimage of the descendants of American slaves which took place on July 9, 2009. In short, an unmissable visit.

Let us note in passing that a vast courtyard adjacent to the main entrance houses a rather interesting arts and crafts market. You can find the classic souvenir gifts but also some more original handicrafts as well as unique paintings and clothes that stand out.