The island of Gorée is of volcanic origin and served during the 15th to 17th century the shipment of about 20 million African slaves. Preserved is the former slave house and a French fort, which was built on the highest point of the island. The island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. On the small island where about 1300 people live and many artists have set up their studios, time seems to have stopped. Colorful colonial houses, baobab trees and palm trees, but no cars. The island, which is only three kilometers from the coast, can easily be covered in a two-hour walk. At the highest point of the island there is a fantastic view of the Dakar skyline and here you can see guns from the time of the First World War. The steep coast of Gorées served in 1961 as the setting for the Oscar-winning film "The Cannons of Navarone".

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Waldhexe

November 20, 2024

The actual meaning of Gorée is "safe harbor". For the many slaves who were transported across the Atlantic from here, it certainly wasn't.
Allow at least 2 hours! And come early, the ferries get full, especially at weekends.

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PeterStar

February 17, 2025

Probably the most famous slave island from the period between the 15th and 17th centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 1,700 people live on the island today. The island is only around 26 hectares in size. (1 km x 300 meters) Car free.

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Location: Senegal

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Kermel Market

Pointe des Almadies Lighthouse and Sunset View

Église Saint-Charles-Borromée de Gorée

Monument of the African Renaissance

Palace of the Governor of Gorée

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Pointe de Dakar

Village Artisanal de Soumbédioune

Gorée Island Pier

Old Naval Gun on Gorée Island

African Renaissance Monument

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Gorée Island

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