Explore
The upper floors of Elmina Castle housed European merchants and soldiers in well-lit, comfortable spaces.
Built directly above the slave dungeons, these airy quarters present a sharp historical contrast. Here, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupants lived and worked while managing the fortress.
You will explore these rooms as part of the mandatory guided tour. After the tour, you can spend extra time reading the historical placards in the castle museum.
15 minsObserve the architectural contrast
These spacious living areas overlook both the sea and the dungeons below. The rooms highlight the stark architectural contrast between the comfortable European quarters and the tragic holding cells underneath. Take a moment to look out from the balcony where the colonial governor once stood.
10 minsConverted to a mess hall
Located directly above the slave holds, this room served as a place of worship for the Dutch occupants. It was later converted into a military mess hall. Today, the space holds a small museum section detailing its complex history.
30 minsEstablished in 1996
Established in 1996, this museum offers an educational exhibition on the castle's history, local culture, and the slave trade. Read the detailed placards and view the historical artifacts to gain more context. Plan to visit this section after your guided tour concludes.
