UNESCO World Heritage Site

Gorée Island

A place of remembrance for the Atlantic slave trade.

The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation.

Country
Senegal
Region
Africa
Category
Cultural
Inscribed
1978
UNESCO reference
26
Area
0 ha

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