This large white castle stands next to the ocean in the city of Elmina. Beautiful views of the ocean open from the castle walls, but this is a sad place. It was built by the Portuguese a very long time ago – in 1482. At first, the Portuguese, Danes, and English traded gold and ivory here, but later the castle became a terrible place. People were taken from the castle into slavery in America.

Now it is open to everyone and houses a museum. Here you can see thick walls with old cannons, dark underground rooms where slaves lived, and the famous «Door of No Return.» Slaves were sent through these gates to ships. Visitors can also see the wealthy apartments of slave traders and the hall where people were sold.

Elmina Castle is not just old walls. This place helps to understand the history of Ghana and all of Africa.