I had an experience of a lifetime while touring Elmina Castle. It has been my most emotional trip so far, yet the most healing and revealing. As I listened to its painful history, my heart was wrenched with the spanner of hurt. I can still hear the music of the tears of my people breaching those walls and crying for freedom.
One thing I wish I had done was to prepare for the emotional load of this trip. I didn’t know I would have to hold back the tears from my eyelids. I went without understanding the impact it would have on me. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is a wonderful story of hope. The chains of my ancestors are gone. Their descendants are free—free to live, to thrive, and to change the world.
In a previous blog, A Look Inside Ghana: How to Plan the Best Road-Trip, I shared my journey to Elmina. What I didn’t share was my journey inside the actual castle. Now, I want to take you inside the castle and share how I navigated its painful history. While we cannot carry the burden of the past on our shoulders, we must move forward with strength and resilience. Visiting Elmina is a pilgrimage—a way to honor our ancestors by forgiving the past and embracing a future filled with light and hope.
The History of Elmina Castle
Elmina Castle, located on Ghana’s stunning Cape Coast, stands as a stark reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws visitors from around the globe. It’s not just a historical monument but a place of reflection, education, and emotional reckoning. When you tour the Elmina Castle, you get an opportunity to understand one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
Elmina Castle was built in 1482 by the Portuguese. It initially served as a trading post for gold and other goods. But by the 16th century, there was a total repurposing of the Castle. Now it got involved in the horrowful slave trade.
Captured Africans were held in dungeons here before being shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas. The castle became a hub for the inhumane trade, passing through Portuguese, Dutch, and British control.
Walking through the castle, one of the first things you’ll see are the dungeons where thousands of African men, women, and children were unjustly imprisoned. Many did not survive the harsh conditions. The European governor on the other hand stayed on top of these slaves. He has a clear view of the Atlantic ocean and would have most likely seen the ships sailing off with the souls of our people.
Preparation for Touring Elmina Castle
Before touring Elmina Castle, it’s essential to prepare yourself emotionally. The stories and sights can be overwhelming. Research the history of the transatlantic slave trade to gain context. This knowledge will help you better understand the significance of what you see and hear during your tour.
It is best to have a tour guide who will lead you through Elmina Castle. This person will share the history of its various areas in vivid detail. What struck me most was the horrific abuse women endured and the brutal starvation of the men. While I listened to these stories, my inside was flooded with the hurricane of this dark past. The weight of such cruelty was overwhelming.
Nonetheless I know that holding on to bitterness only prolongs the pain. We will have to let go so that we can go on. These emotions are not the answer. To truly honor our ancestors, we must release the past and channel our strength into living lives they would be proud of.
Dress modestly and comfortably. The castle’s stone floors can be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. Bring water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during Ghana’s hot season. Most importantly, approach your visit with respect. This is a sacred place for many, especially we the descendants of those who suffered here.
Touring the Castle
In order to get the best experience when touring Elmina Castle, hire a tour guide. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the various sections and explain their history. The tour begins at the courtyard, where enslaved people were assembled. As you transition from there, you’ll visit the male and female dungeons. The conditions in these spaces are haunting. My guide was very good at describing the brutal treatment that my people had to endure.
You’ll also see the “Door of No Return.” This is a narrow exit passage leading to the ships. After passing through this passage, there would have been no return for the captured slaves. This was their last footing on African soil. Standing here, you can almost feel the weight of history. The guides’ narratives bring these moments to life, making it a deeply emotional experience.
Reflecting on the Experience
After you pass through the horrors of the Elmina Castle, take your time to reflect. Hold back your tears and remain strong. Remember that we are free and that we are flourishing.
The stories of Elmina Castle are painful, but they are essential to remember. They serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the need to confront and acknowledge history. Many from the African diaspora find themselves moved to tears, and I was no exception. Though I couldn’t shed tears outwardly, I felt an emotional flood within as I absorbed the horrors of the past.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed—this is a natural response to such a heavy and poignant experience. Reflection is part of the journey, helping us process the pain while honoring the strength and endurance of those who came before us.
You can also use this time to think about the lessons the castle teaches. How can we ensure such atrocities never happen again? What steps can we take to promote equality and justice in our own lives? Reflection is a vital part of the experience.
Understanding the Legacy
Elmina Castle’s legacy reaches far beyond its ancient walls. It stands as a powerful symbol of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on the world. The descendants of those who endured its dungeons carry the weight of this history in their collective memory.
Touring Elmina Castle ensures these stories are never forgotten and fosters a deeper understanding of global history. I wish every African, both on the continent and in the diaspora, could take this tour. Though it is deeply painful, it’s a necessary step in healing from the cultural trauma that African people have endured worldwide.
Elmina Castle is a witness to the resilience of African people. If you hit us down 1000 folds, we’ll bounce right back. Despite centuries of oppression, our people have not only survived but thrived. Ghana, in particular, showcases its heritage with vibrant festivals, music, and art.
Touring Elmina Castle offers a chance to connect with this rich cultural legacy while paying tribute to the past. It’s a journey of remembrance, resilience, and reconnection—a way to honor history while celebrating the enduring spirit of African people.
Supporting the Local Community
One thing I enjoyed doing while touring Elmina Castle was supporting the local economy. The town is very congested, with streets filled with local Ghanaians seeking to make a bread.
Visiting Elmina Castle is your great opportunity to support the local community. As you enter into the vicinity of the Castle, you’ll notice that the town is rich in history and culture. Don’t leave without walking their streets and supporting some of the local people. You can also dive into some traditional Ghanaian dishes to satisfy your taste.
As I entered the actual site of the Castle, I was firstly greeted by streetside sellers of all sorts. They were selling handcrafted souvenirs, and sharing their stories with pride. I took the opportunity to buy a few items to bring home.
On your visit, be sure to support some of these people by purchasing something from them. It’s a great way to contribute to the community. Remember to also tip your tour guide. Thank them for their wonderful service and wish them well. Their dedication helps bring the history of Elmina Castle to life and ensures its stories are passed on with care and respect.
Why Elmina Castle Matters Today
The Elmina Castle teaches us the importance of preserving history. History can be dark, but it can also be a teacher. It can teach us not to make the same mistakes made in the past. It can also teach us where we are coming from so we can be grateful for the present and anticipate the future with bold hope. As Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Final Thoughts
Touring Elmina Castle should be on the bucket list of every African in the diaspora. The Castle is more than a historical site; it’s a place where the past speaks to the present. It reminds us of the capacity for both cruelty and resilience within humanity.
The Elmina Castle teaches us the importance of preserving history. History can be dark, but it can also be a teacher. It can teach us not to make the same mistakes made in the past. It can also teach us where we are coming from so we can be grateful for the present and anticipate the future with bold hope. As Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.“
