Africa’s huge abandoned castle that is now a haven for dark tourism | World | News


Most tourists would not necessarily think about visiting castles when travelling to Africa.

Castles are normally associated with Europe, and they are architectural monuments from the glorious medieval past.

Africa is better known for its stunning natural landscapes and varied wildlife that Europe cannot rival.

Yet the continent has its fair share of fascinating castles and fortresses that should be on everyone’s list to visit.

From the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, Egypt – to the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco – these royal and military complexes are some of the world’s most breathtaking.

One castle that has become a dark tourism hotspot is Ghana’s St George’s Castle, also known as Elmina Castle.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was originally constructed as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1482.

The castle was expanded when slaves replaced gold as the major object of commerce.

It is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa and was eventually captured by the Dutch in 1637.

The castle then became the headquarters of their West Indies Company for the following 250 years.

The castle offers much to see for those willing to take the time to explore its grounds.

Tourists can visit the grim dungeons, punishment cells, Door of No Return and the turret room where the British imprisoned the Ashanti King, Prempeh I, for four years.

The castle is located in a picturesque fishing town along Ghana’s coast, which makes it a great place to spend some time.

Looming above the town is Fort San Jago, established by the Dutch in 1665 on St. George Hill. It has a commanding view of the castle below.

From this vantage point, the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle in 1637.

The town also has several impressive Posuban shrines, which can be anything from simple statues to elaborate concrete structures with life-size figures, fantasy creatures, and other strange objects.



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