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Tourist Attractions in the Region
Castle and Forts
Three of the castles have been designated World Heritage Monuments by the World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO. They are Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle and Fort St. Jago.
Cape Coast Castle
Most historians believe that Cape Coast Castle was originally built as a small trading lodge which was subsequently added to and enlarged until it became a fortification. In 1637 the lodge was occupied by the Dutch. Then, in 1652, it was captured by the Swedes, who name it Fort Carolusburg. For a time, both the local people and various European powers fought for and gained possession of the fort. Finally, in 1664, after a 4-day battle, the fort was captured by the British and re-named Cape Coast Castle. The Castle served as the seat of the British administration in the then Gold Coast (Ghana) until the administration was moved to Christianborg Castle in Accra on March 19, 1877.
Like most ancient fortifications in Ghana, Cape Coast Castle played a significant role in the gold and slave trades. Also, as a result of the European influence here, two significant contributions were made that are still evident today: the arrival of Christianity in the country, and the establishment of the first formal education system through "Castle Schools".
A guided tour of the Cape Coast Castle will acquaint you with its many interesting features including Dalzell Tower, the graves of Governor George Maclean and his wife Leticia Landon, the slave dungeons, "Palaver Hall", and the cannons and mortars used in the Castle's defence.
Guided tours of Cape Coast Castle are available from 8:30am - 4:30pm daily. The general admission fee, includes a guided tour. There is also a nominal charge for taking photographs or for using a video camera.
West African Historical Museum
The Museum is located inside Cape Coast Castle and contains a growing collection of art and cultural objects from various parts of West Africa, for example ceremonial drums, old muskets, shackles from the slave trade and ancient pottery. The price of admission is included in your castle entry fee.
Elmina Castle
Just 10km west of Cape Coast is the township of Elmina, the first point of contact between the Europeans and the inhabitants of Ghana. A visit to Elmina Castle is both memorable and moving, for within these walls significant events took place which contributed to the shaping of the history of the world.
In 1471, a Portuguese expedition arrived, led by Don Diego d' Azambuja. Because of the vast amount of gold and ivory they found here, they called the area "Mina de Ouro" - the gold mine. Elmina soon became the centre of a thriving trade in gold, ivory and slaves, which were exchanged for cloth, beads, brass bracelets and other goods brought by the Portuguese.
In 1482, the Portuguese built St. George's Castle (Elmina Castle). This vast rectangular 97,000 sq ft fortification is the earliest known European structure in the tropics.
As the immensely profitable trade in gold and slaves at Elmina increased, it began to attract the attention of other European nations, and a struggle for control of the Castle ensued. Finally, in 1637, after two previously unsuccessful attempts, the Dutch captured Elmina Castle and it remained in its control for the next 274 years.
A guided tour is offered daily. Admission fee is charged. The Castle also has a gift shop for the sale of books and souvenirs on the history of the castle.
Fort St. Jago
Fort St. Jago is within walking distance of Elmina Castle. It is from this vantage point that the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle. Unlike other area forts, St. Jago was not used for trading activities. Its primary purpose was to provide military protection to the Castle and to serve as a disciplinary institution for European convicts and malcontents.
Bring your camera along, for this little Fort and the hill on which it stands also provides an excellent view of Elmina township and the Castle.
Dutch Cemetery
In the centre of town, near the "Posuban" Shrine (you will recognize it by the life-size statues and high-decorated facade) is the Dutch Cemetery.
Built in the 19th century, it contains the graves of many former residents of the Castle and of important to local citizens. You cannot help but be a little startled by the very young age at which so many of these people died. A mausoleum in the centre of the Cemetery was reserved for the tombs of the Castle's Governors.
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