Elmina Castle vs Cape Coast Castle Ghana {My Experience }

Elmina Castle once called St George Castle is a prominent historical landmark, located in Elmina, Ghana. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1482, it served as a significant trading post for gold and ivory, and later became a notorious hub for the transatlantic slave trade. It was the first European trading post in sub-Saharan Africa,It is one of the most well-known and preserved European-built castles in the region and has significant historical and cultural importance. Cape Coast Castle, like Elmina Castle, played a significant role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It served as a major trading post where enslaved Africans were held captive before being shipped, The castle's dungeons held thousands of captives in inhumane conditions Cape Coast Castle is also known as Carolusborg, It was originally built by the Swedes in 1653 and served as a trading post for gold, wood, and textiles. However, it is most infamous for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, In the 18th century, Cape Coast Castle became the largest and most important slave castle on the Gold Coast. It is estimated that over 1.5 million enslaved Africans were shipped from this castle. The castle's dungeons could hold up to 1,000 captives at a time, cape coast castle is located in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Pot Showcased At Elmina Castle

Here Are Some Known Facts Of Cape Coast And Elmina Castle

Cape Coast 

• Door of No Return. This was the last exit that enslaved Africans passed through before being forced onto ships bound for the Americas. It is said that many captives jumped into the ocean rather than face the horrors of slavery the Slave Trade and the Castle's Decline
• The British abolished the slave trade in 1807, but the slave trade continued illegally for many years. Cape Coast Castle was used as a British military base until the late 19th century. The castle was then used as a prison and a school before it was finally converted into a museum in 1974
• Visiting Cape Coast Castle Cape Coast Castle is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

Elmina Castle

•  Elmina Castle was built by the Portuguese in 1482 as São Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mine) on the site of an earlier trading post established by the local Fante people. It was the first European trading post in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Elmina Castle holds immense historical significance as the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea made it an ideal center for trade and commerce, attracting Portuguese merchants seeking to establish footholds in the region. The castle's imposing architecture, with its whitewashed walls and fortified towers, reflected Portugal's growing dominance in maritime trade during the 15th century
•  Over the years, the castle changed hands several times between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The Dutch captured Elmina from the Portuguese in 1637 and held control until the British took over in 1872 
• The primary purpose of Elmina Castle was as a trading post for goods such as gold and ivory. However, it became a major center for the trans-Atlantic slave trade

View From Cape Coast Castle

if you are wondering where to visit between Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle you should choose both because they are actually close like a 30mins-40mins drive but if you would love to visit just one then you should pick Elmina castle because to me i really got to get the experience there like i was physically and emotionally present there, Elmina castle tells more of the story i actually almost cried when i was in Elmina castle but cape coast castle was just there i was physically present but not emotionally. Elmina Castle actually felt like it just happened, like i was present while he was telling the story the smell it felt real, hopefully, you get a good tour guide. Another thing about the Cape Coast Castle is the Oasis Hotel close to it when you are done with your tour you could stop by Oasis because it is just a few walks away from Cape Coast its a hotel where you can get food and drinks, and there is also a beach and different activities going on there which is actually fun and relaxing on my visit there i spent more time in oasis hotel enjoying the fine breeze and filling my eyes.

 Here is the link to my tour of Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle click the link to watch 

Tour of Elmina Castle

Tour of Cape Coast Castle

Places you could visit when you are in Cape Coast 

1. Kakum National Park: Take a guided walk through the ground level, the guides are knowledgeable about plants and animal life, take a walk through the walkway which is above the ground it's quite an experience so don't miss out

2. Elmina Castle: Elmina Castle serves as a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural hub. Visitors can explore the castle's various chambers, dungeons, and courtyards, gaining insights into its architectural features, historical significance, and the harrowing experiences of those who passed through its walls. The castle also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs that promote awareness of Ghana's history and heritage

3. Cape Coast Castle: This is a fortification in Ghana built by Swedish traders for trade in timber and gold back when slavery existed it now tells the story of how slaves were traded for items back in the day 

4. Fort Williams Ghana: Anomabu Castle, Fort William is now a community library and a popular tourist destination. The well-preserved remains of Fort William can still be seen