Elmina Castle in perspective

Elmina Castle was erected by the Portoguese in 1482. 

It was the first trading post build on the Gulf of Guinea. 

And is the oldest European building in existence below the Sahara. 

It is the oldest European building in existence below the Sahara. 

First established as a trade settlement, the castle later became one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic slave trade. 

The Dutch seized the fort from the Portuguese in 1637, and took over all the Portuguese Gold Coast in 1642. 

The slave trade continued under the Dutch until 1814; in 1872 the Dutch Gold Coast, including the fort, became a possession of the British Empire.

Britain granted the Gold Coast its independence in 1957, and control of the castle was transferred to the nation formed out of the colony, present-day Ghana. 

Today Elmina Castle located in the Central Region in Ghana, is a popular historical site.

The castle is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Credits:Wikipedia