Saint George’s Castle, Portuguese fortress in Elmina, Ghana
The stone fortress features high walls, multiple dungeons, and strategic positioning on the Gulf of Guinea coast near gold-rich regions.
Portuguese traders constructed this stronghold in 1482 as their first permanent trading post on the Gulf of Guinea for gold commerce.
The fortress transformed from a gold trading center into a major Atlantic slave trade hub under Dutch control from 1637 to 1814.
Visitors can explore the castle daily between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:00 PM on Sundays.
The castle includes a narrow portal known as the door of no return, through which enslaved Africans passed toward ships.
Location: Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem Municipal District
Address: 3MM2+4R3, Elmina, Ghana Elmina
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-17:00; Sunday 09:00-18:00
Phone: +233201796793
GPS coordinates: 5.08266,-1.34813
Latest update: March 18, 2025 18:54
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Last House
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Elmina Watchtower
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