1 Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a historical monument located in Mombasa, Kenya. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is a prime example of Portuguese military architecture. The fort has a rectangular shape with high walls and bastions at each corner. It was strategically positioned to overlook the entrance of the Old Port of Mombasa. The fort has witnessed numerous battles and sieges throughout its history, including attacks by the Omani Arabs and the British. Today, Fort Jesus serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight the region’s rich history. It is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the chance to explore its well-preserved architecture.
2 Fort São Sebastião
Fort São Sebastião is a historic fortress located in Mozambique. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a strategic defense post during the colonial era. The fort is situated on the Island of Mozambique, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its distinctive architecture, featuring thick stone walls and a triangular shape. The fort offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and is a popular tourist attraction. Today, it houses a museum that showcases the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Fort São Sebastião is a significant landmark in Mozambique’s colonial past and continues to be an important symbol of the country’s heritage.
3 Fort Beaufort
Fort Beaufort is a town located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in 1822 as a military outpost by the British colonial government. The town is named after Henry Somerset, the 5th Duke of Beaufort, who was the father-in-law of Sir Rufane Donkin, the founder of the fort. Fort Beaufort played a significant role during the Frontier Wars between the British settlers and the Xhosa people. Today, the town is known for its historical buildings, including the Martello Tower, which was built in 1839 and is now a national monument. Fort Beaufort also serves as a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural region, with farming being a major economic activity. The town has a population of approximately 25,000 people and offers a range of amenities, including schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.
4 Fort Apollonia
Fort Apollonia, located in present-day Ghana, was a British trading post and fortification built in 1768. It was strategically positioned on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, near the mouth of the River Ankobra. The fort served as a key hub for the British in their trade with the local Fante people, as well as other European powers. Constructed with stone and timber, Fort Apollonia featured a rectangular layout with bastions at each corner for defense. The fort also included a courtyard, storage facilities, living quarters, and a small chapel. Over the years, Fort Apollonia played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a base for the capture and shipment of enslaved Africans. In 1872, the fort was abandoned by the British and left to deteriorate. Today, Fort Apollonia stands as a historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the colonial past of the region.
5 Ussher Fort
Ussher Fort, located in the capital city of Ghana, Accra, is a historical landmark with a rich and complex history. Built by the Dutch in the 17th century,1649, the fort served as a trading post and a hub for the transatlantic slave trade. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, with the British eventually taking control and renaming it Ussher Fort. Today, the fort stands as a reminder of Ghana’s colonial past and serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s history and the atrocities committed during the slave trade.
6 Fort Goede Hoop
Fort Goede Hoop, located in present-day Ghana, was a Dutch trading post established in the 17th century. It served as a key hub for the Dutch West India Company’s operations in West Africa. The fort was strategically positioned on the coast, allowing for easy access to trade routes and the transportation of goods. It played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a center for the capture and sale of enslaved Africans. The fort was also involved in the trade of other commodities such as gold, ivory, and spices. Despite changing hands between various European powers over the years, Fort Goede Hoop remained an important trading post until its eventual abandonment in the 19th century. Today, the ruins of the fort serve as a reminder of Ghana’s complex history and its connections to the global trade networks of the past.
7 Fort Metal Cross
Fort Metal Cross is a historical site located in Dixcove in the Western Region of Ghana. It was built in the 17th century by the British as a trading post and defense fortification. The fort is situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing strategic advantages for both trade and defense. The fort’s name is derived from the metal crosses that were once placed on its walls. Today, Fort Metal Cross stands as a testament to Ghana’s rich history and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fort’s well-preserved architecture, including its thick stone walls, cannons, and underground dungeons. The fort also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Overall, Fort Metal Cross is a significant landmark that showcases Ghana’s colonial past and provides a glimpse into the country’s vibrant history.
8 Fort Orange
Fort Orange, also known as Sekondi Fort, is a historical fort located in the city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. It was originally built by the Dutch in 1642 as a trading post and was later taken over by the British in 1872. The fort played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a major hub for the exportation of enslaved Africans. Today, Fort Orange stands as a reminder of Ghana’s colonial past and is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history.
9 Fort Saint Anthony
Fort Saint Anthony, also known as Axim Fort, is a historic fort located in Axim, Ghana. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a trading post and military base. The fort played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a hub for the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas. Today, Fort Saint Anthony stands as a reminder of Ghana’s colonial past and is open to visitors who can explore its well-preserved architecture and learn about its historical significance.
10 Fort San Sebastian
Fort San Sebastian, located in Shama, is a historical landmark that holds great significance. Built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, it served as a trading post and a defense fortification during the colonial era. The fort is strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Shama River, providing a vantage point for monitoring and protecting the trade routes. With its solid stone walls and well-preserved cannons, Fort San Sebastian stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Portuguese and the importance of Shama as a trading hub in West Africa. Today, the fort serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Ghana’s rich history and colonial past.
11 Fort St. Jago
Fort Coenraadsburg, also known as Fort St. Jago, is a historical fortification located in Elmina, Ghana. It was built by the Dutch in 1652 as a trading post and military stronghold during the colonial era. The fort played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a major hub for the capture, confinement, and shipment of enslaved Africans to the Americas. Today, Fort Coenraadsburg stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a poignant reminder of Ghana’s complex history.
