São João Baptista d’Ajudá

The fortress contains stone walls, earthen bastions with cannons, and a moat surrounding the central military structure near the coast.

Portuguese merchants established this fort in 1721 to facilitate slave trade operations between Africa and Brazil through the port of Ouidah.

The fortress represents Portuguese colonial influence in West Africa, where Portuguese became the primary foreign language for communication with Dahomey kings.

The fortress now functions as part of the Ouidah Museum of History, offering visitors insights into the colonial period of Benin.

The Guinness World Records recognized this fortress in 1958 as the smallest colony globally, measuring only 4.5 square kilometers.

Location: Ouidah

Inception: 1680

Founders: Portugal

Architectural style: Renaissance

Part of: Portuguese colonization of Africa

GPS coordinates: 6.35889,2.09000

Latest update: May 14, 2025 12:54