Central Region

Elmina Castle

About

Elmina Castle, also known as St. George's Castle, is the oldest European building in existence below the Sahara. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it served as a trading post for gold and later became a major slave trading center. The castle's architecture reflects its complex history under Portuguese, Dutch, and British control.

History

Originally built by Portuguese traders seeking gold, Elmina Castle became the first of many slave trading posts along the Gold Coast. The castle changed hands multiple times and played a significant role in European colonization of West Africa.