Cape Coast Castle

About this place

Cape Coast Castle is a large white fort on the Gulf of Guinea, one of about forty trading forts built by Europeans on what was called the Gold Coast. It is now a museum and a place of remembrance, because enslaved Africans were held in its dungeons before being shipped across the Atlantic. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list with Ghana's other forts since 1979. The site began as a Portuguese trading post in 1555. In 1653 the Swedish Africa Company built a timber fort here for the timber and gold trade, and the British later took it over and greatly enlarged it. In the 18th century its dungeons became part of the Atlantic slave trade. The town stayed the colonial capital until the administration moved to Accra in the 1870s. You enter a wide courtyard ringed by white buildings with blue shutters, then go down with a guide into the dungeons, which are stone rooms and dark brick vaults. Afterwards you climb to the ramparts, with a long row of black cannon and views over the sea and the fishing boats. A small museum explains the history. The visit is a heavy one, so treat the place with respect. Elmina Castle is about 12 km away in a straight line and Kakum National Park about 31 km, and many visitors combine all three over two days. The dungeons are seen on a guided tour, so allow enough time. Bring water, as the ramparts have no shade.