Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I recently had the privilege of visiting the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, and the experience left an indelible mark on me. From the smooth logistics to the historical significance of this site, it was a journey worth taking. To reach Cape Coast Castle from Accra, I opted for a cost-effective and convenient travel route. I started my journey at 11 a.m. Ghanaian time on a Saturday. I took an Uber cab from where I stayed around Tantra Hills to the Kaneshie Takoradi VIP Station for 40 Ghana Cedis. From there, I took a Tro Tro bus from the Kaneshie Takoradi VIP Station, which cost 50 Ghana Cedis. It is a large bus that travels interstate and is the most popular form of transport that only leaves when full, with a 3 per roll sitting arrangement in 3 rolls. The journey was comfortable, and I had the chance to witness the beautiful Ghanaian landscapes along the way. Upon arriving at Cape Coast, I took a taxi to the castle for 20 Cedis. I also noticed that Uber was functional in the area, offering more transportation options. As I embarked on this historical excursion, I made sure to grab some snacks and water to keep me energized and hydrated throughout the visit. It truly added to the overall experience. The gate fee for foreign nationals like myself was 80 Ghana Cedis, while students can enjoy a discounted rate of 60 Cedis. The fee felt more like an investment in understanding the history and heritage of this significant site rather than an expense. Walking through the Cape Coast Castle was a somber yet essential experience. It served as a poignant reminder of the harrowing history of the transatlantic slave trade. The well-preserved architecture and informative displays provided a comprehensive view of the past, and I couldn't help but feel deeply moved by the stories that unfolded within these walls. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history and significance of the castle, making the tour even more enriching. The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the castle's vantage point was breathtaking, and it added a sense of reflection to the visit. The knowledgeable guides shared haunting stories of the castle's history, making it an emotionally impactful visit. The "Door of No Return" left a lasting impression, serving as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the past. My visit to Cape Coast Castle was not just a tourist excursion; it was a journey through history that left me both humbled and enlightened. The efficient travel options, combined with the educational and emotional experience at the castle, made this trip truly worthwhile. I highly recommend visiting Cape Coast Castle to anyone interested in understanding Ghana's history and the broader story of humanity. It's a place that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. In summary, my visit to Cape Coast Castle was both educational and emotionally impactful. The logistics were seamless, and the historical value of this site is immeasurable. Again, I highly recommend this journey to anyone interested in understanding Ghana's history and its global significance.
Serah KassimSerah Kassim
20
Cape Coast Castle, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Ghana, is a profoundly significant historical site. Its beautiful white-washed exterior belies a dark and complex history, as the castle served as one of the major departure points for millions of African people who were sold into slavery. Upon entering the castle, you are immediately immersed in the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade. The guided tours are exceptionally informative, shedding light on the inhumane conditions enslaved Africans were subjected to before being transported across the sea. Each room, from the holding dungeons to the "Door of No Return," narrates a different chapter of this chilling past, and the guides effectively capture the gravity and poignancy of these stories. The castle also houses a museum that provides additional context and insights into the era of the slave trade. Exhibits include historical artifacts, maps, and poignant illustrations, making it an essential stop for visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of this historical period. Despite its grim history, Cape Coast Castle offers an unexpectedly uplifting aspect: the panoramic view of the ocean and the town of Cape Coast from the castle's top. This sight serves as a stark contrast to the castle's haunting interior, adding a layer of profound beauty to the visit. In summary, a visit to Cape Coast Castle is both a sobering and enlightening experience. The castle stands as a powerful symbol of a tragic period in human history and serves as an essential reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It's a deeply impactful destination that offers valuable lessons about the past and challenges us to reflect on our collective responsibility towards a more equitable future. For anyone seeking to understand Ghana's - and indeed the world's - history more deeply, Cape Coast Castle is a must-visit.
Sampa SampaSampa Sampa
140
This was the Worst experience in my ENTIRE life!!!! Why would ANYONE want to pay to come and experience this!!! The fact that they charge the diasporas to tour is disgusting and deplorable! These same Ghanaians were the ones that sold their OWN brothers & sisters into slavery and now capitalizing off of it… SHAME ON YOU GHANA!! I was attacked and beaten by four MEN claiming to have worked there. They stopped me and asked me for money now having been in Ghana for a few months I already know that there is a lot of scammers out there, and they got me before people who were not employees asked me to pay I gave them money and never never saw them again.. on this particular day, it must’ve been a holiday because there was a bunch of Caucasian people there. I have never paid to enter before nor even seen anywhere to pay so I thought there was no admission.. the way these men approached me was horrifying.. i’ve been there several times before and never paid. I’ve even made a video with my mother there and didn’t have to pay to go. The last time I went, they told me if I wanted a tour there would be a fee, a small donation, and the several other times that I was there that’s what I was told. If there was a fee, there could have been a different way that these “men” could have asked differently. Paying 80 cedis was not an issue. I would have paid but the way these men were behaving and bullying me was horrifying! NEVER in my entire life anywhere in the world, and I have traveled extensively, have I ever been attacked by men let alone black men let alone black men in Ghana that’s supposed to be the motherland! I tried to explain to them that I did not want a tour. The ladies just wanted to go inside and see the top part and the view and we would be done in two minutes… These ladies followed me on social media, and made the special trip to Ghana because of me and this is what the Ghanaian people did to me.. These men grabbed me in between my legs and threw me backwards on the floor and got on top of me and started slapping me and punching me, but do they know that I’m a third-degree black belt, and also taught self-defense classes they ended up a bloody mess! All I asked was these men show me their IDs so I knew that they worked there and they pushed me to the floor, and all four of them started beating on one single female in front of white people which made it even worse! You can’t even get out of the vehicle properly without panhandlers rushing you begging for money, kids asking for money people selling tourist things at outrageously ridiculously high prices, trying to rob tourist!!! Something that cost five cidis they charge 100... It’s absolutely ridiculous. Why anyone would want to come here and see this, especially not knowing the FULL truth behind slavery, and then to come here and deal with all of this.. This was MY personal experience. These people are savages, and I do not recommend anyone supporting this tourism site!
Mizz MarvelousMizz Marvelous
30
If you come to Ghana, this is a part of world history you must experience. In many ways it’s hard to conceive that something this atrocious happened, but it did and we must fully steep ourselves in it to learn, recover and do better. I read so many reviews of the aggressive vendors out front but we didn’t have that experience at all. However if you lingered too long I’m sure you would be descended on like hawks. Our tour was thorough and informative and worth the hour or so we spent in the heat touring the castle. Bring it but water, any time of day is likely to be hot. There is easy parking and I recommend either going early at opening or later just before closing to avoid the heat of the day. We thought we would find lunch in town but it just all felt so overwhelming we just came back to Lemon Beach resort (which is a great place to stay and eat). *** In everlasting memory of the anguish of our ancestors may those who died rest in peace may those who return find their roots may humanity never again perpetrate such injustice against humanity. We, the living, vow to uphold this. ***
Colby LindemanColby Lindeman
20
I think everyone should visit the slave castles regardless of what the rating on Google Maps is. This is a historic landmark and part of Ghana's tragic history that must never be forgotten. My 2 star rating is for the people and organization that manages the castle. This is a sacred place for a lot of people local and abroad, and yet even before you enter you are harassed by vendors trying to sell things to you, and people trying to extort money from you. This is not acceptable! Fortunately, I thought the guided tour was excellent and our tour guide really captured the spirit and feeling of the tragic experiences in the castle. Unfortunately, the information provided in the waiting area did not do a good job of complimenting his good works. The information is only about the the architecture of the building and no story about the history. There is no digital media, it's all printed and chipping away. Please do better. As a museum and a globally recognized historical site, the Castle experience desperately needs to always be updated and new findings catalogued and added.
Richard HackmanRichard Hackman
180
One of the reasons we came to this part of the country; the Cape Coast Castle. It may be good or bad, positive or negative, but when you are at a new country, it’s indispensable, at least for me, to get to know its history, and Ghana has an important history site just there. In this case, not so good because of the human barbarism, the terrible things that has happened over the years, and when you are told in detail all those kind of things, and you try to imagine, cause it is the only thing you can do, you get really impressed. The Cape Coast Castle is a history site that everyone in this world should know, but not just a history site for Ghana but for the entire planet. The more we know about our past, the farthest we’ll be to repeat history. And a final point, as our guide asked us, “has things really changed?” I have my own opinion, I’ll let you go to the Cape Coast Castle and answer that question too.
Elena BazElena Baz
50
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Victoria Rd, Cape Coast, Ghana
Map
Phone
+233 57 710 1707
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Website
gmmb.gov.gh
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(1.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Cape Coast Castle is one of about forty "slave castles", or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders. It was originally a Portuguese "feitoria" or trading post, established in 1555, which they named Cabo Corso.
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