The white walls
On the river.
Sahor Reivilo — CC BY 2.0 · Jcornelius — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Joehawkins — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Joehawkins — CC BY-SA 4.0
Cacheu Fort is a small Portuguese fort on the bank of the Cacheu River, in the town of Cacheu in north-west Guinea-Bissau. Cacheu was one of the earliest European settlements in sub-Saharan Africa because of its river position. The town now has a museum on the history of the slave trade, making a visit a place of remembrance as well as history. The name Cacheu is said to mean «the place where we rest» in the Bainuk language. From the late 16th century a community of Portuguese and Cape Verdean traders grew up here. After the English privateer John Hawkins raided it in 1567, the traders asked the king of Cacheu for permission to build a fort in 1589 and moved into it in 1591. You see low white walls on the riverbank, a small domed watchtower and old cannons among the trees. Inside the fort stand bronze statues of Portuguese figures moved there after independence. In town the white museum building with arched windows stands among palm trees, with rooms of objects and documents. It is about 79 km from Bissau in a straight line. The museum's subject is harsh, so treat the place with respect. Check opening hours before you go.
On the river.
With a small dome.
Arched windows.
Cacheu riverbank, Cacheu town, Guinea-Bissau
Traders sought permission in 1589 and moved in by 1591.
By road from Bissau, over the Cacheu River bridge.