Elmina Castle is historically important as it is the earliest European
construction in the Gulf of Guinea, and the oldest castle in sub-Saharan Africa.
Elmina Castle History
Building at the castle commenced in 1482 and was finished in 1486. It was
first named São Jorge da Mina. It was used for gold and ivory trade mainly at the
beginning.
In 1637 the Dutch army bombarded the castle from a nearby hill and took over
control of it. They renamed it Elmina Castle and built another fort on the hill they used to
attack Elmina castle from to prevent others to attack it.
After they took over control of the castle the Dutch enlarged it and
restored it. It continued to be used as a trade center for gold and ivory as well as a slave
center until 1814 when the Dutch abolished the slave trade.
It is estimated that about 30000 slaves were traded every year in Elima
until slave trading was abolished.
In 1872, Elima castle passed to British hands, but it wasn’t used as a trade
center anymore. After the independence of Ghana, from 1957 Elima was used as a school and a
police center for recruits.
Today, along with other slave castles in
Ghana like the Cape Coast castle, Elmina is a World
Heritage site.
Elmina Castle Visitor Information
In 1996 a museum was opened in Elima castle. Entrance fee is $7 for a
foreign adult and $4 for students and $2 for children.
The Elmina Castle is open for visits daily between 9:00 to 16:30.
Elmina Castle Map&Location
Elimna Castle is situated in the town of Elmina, situated just 12 km away
from Cape Coast.
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