Elmina Castle
Elmina, Central
The oldest surviving European building in sub-Saharan Africa, begun by the Portuguese in 1482.
Bolance / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Visiting information
- Address
- Elmina, Central
- Opening information
- Opening times are not published by a source we can verify. Confirm locally before visiting.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- 2 hours, guided
About this place
Sao Jorge da Mina was built as a trading post for gold and later became a major slave-trading site under Portuguese, Dutch and British control. It stands above Elmina's fishing harbour and shares the UNESCO inscription with Cape Coast Castle.
District profile
Elmina
A fishing town west of Cape Coast, built around the oldest surviving European building in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why stay here: Pairs naturally with Cape Coast for the coastal forts.
Atmosphere: A working harbour crowded with painted canoes below the castle walls.
Shared taxis from Cape Coast take about 30 minutes.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Elmina and the wider Central.
Recommended district
Elmina
Pairs naturally with Cape Coast for the coastal forts.
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Ghana requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Verified. Last reviewed 2026-09-07.
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