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St. George Castle, also known as Elmina castle, is located in Central Region of Ghana, about a 3.5 hour drive along the coast from Accra. It is the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Construction of Elmina castle was started by the Portuguese in 1482 and was originally completed in 1486. Later colonized by the Dutch in 1637, it was during this time that Elmina attained its highest status.
Upon visiting, you will experience the physical history of the slave trade, the impact of which is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Most visitors to Ghana tour Elmina Castle, because of its history as a major trans-Atlantic slave hub. Originally, Elmina Castle was not built for the purpose of holding and trading slaves, but instead as a trading post for gold and other African goods. It is from this trade that the name "Elmina" was derived from the Portuguese name for "Da Costa de el Mina de Ouro" (The Coast of Gold Mines).
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Central Elmina
Central Elmina today is an historic place. Dominated by the massive Elmina Castle, the central town is also home to the smaller, hilltop Fort San Jago, a number of impressive Posuban shrines and a busy fishing lagoon. This is a location with a lot of attractions that will keep you busy experiencing the history, culture and life of Ghana. Separate walking tours of Elmina are available and are very well received by our guests.
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Posuban shrines
Posuban shrines are found in the coastal areas of the Fante people. These shrines can be anything from simple statues to elaborate concrete structures with life-size figures, fantasy creatures and other strange objects. Long ago these were the posts for local Asafo companies, or tribal militias. Now decommissioned as military units, the Asafo remains as a social and political organization that is responsible for maintaining these shrines and arranging annual Asafo festivals.
There are 5 large Posuban shrines along a road that curves through central Elmina. All are quite interesting, but be aware that a contribution must be made at each shine that you wish to take photos.
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Fort San Jago
Ft. San Jago was established by the Dutch in 1665 on St. George Hill, with a commanding view of St. George Castle below. It is from this vantage point the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle in 1637. The fort was built primarily to provide military protection to the Elmina Castle and to serve as a disciplinary institution for European convicts.
This fort is accessed by climbing a majestic staircase up St. George Hill to the summit, where Ft. San Jago sits. The fort itself is an interesting visit, but it is the view from the summit that really makes the climb worth the effort. You are rewarded with an exciting view of bustling Elmina and the sea beyond.
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Fishing harbour
Just outside St. George Castle is the Benya lagoon, an amazingly busy fishing harbour, full of colorful traditional fishing boats called pirogues. Fishermen are tending nets, going and coming to sea, and selling their catch in the busy harbour fish market. Fishmongers are everywhere and their offerings in full view. This site offers one of Ghana’s greatest photo opportunities.
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Area beaches
Elmina offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Ghana. While not as secluded as beaches further to the west, there are clean palm-lined beach here for you to relax and enjoy. There are beach resorts of varying class along this stretch of coast and we are certain you would enjoy a night or two with the sea breeze and star-filled nights.
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What else is nearby
There are numerous attractions nearby. You can visit the Cape Coast Castle, which is about 20 minutes east towards Accra. Cape Coast Castle was settled by the British, so the architecture is a bit different, but the experience you will have is nearly identical to the tour at Elmina Castle.
Also nearby is Kakum National Park, famous for birding and the home of West Africa's highest rain forest canopy walkway. While at Kakum, it is easy to visit crocodile ponds or a stingless bee facility.
The Elmina-Java museum is another place of note. This is a museum that is dedicated to telling the story of African soldiers who fought in the Royal Netherlands East Indies army.
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