West of Cape Coast is one more of Ghana's coastal Fortifications. Elmina is a lovely town at the back of a large bay. The town has two World Heritage forts. Fort St.Jago, Elmina and Castle St George's are two main tourist attractions in Elmina. Fort St.Jago, Elmina will remind you more of a Mediterranian Villa than a colonial castle.
Fort St. Jago was used by the Dutch to capture St George's castle. The Dutch occupied it for 235 years until the British attacked them in 1871 and 1872. Finally it was sold along with Elmina to the British. Fort St. Jago started its new life under the British as a guest House which was later changed into a Hospital for leprosy patients and then to a prison, until it was finally reverted to a Guest house. In 1986 the Government closed the guesthouse and started promoting the Fort as a part of Ghana's heritage.
Fort St. Jago is a World Heritage site. The rooms are big and airy, and the courtyard is ideal for sitting and reading as the sun is shadowed by the entrance hall. The Tower of the Fort is illuminated during the night by a Victorian era streetlight in the middle of the yard.
The views from the rooms are really wonderful. You can see St. George's castle from the southern walls or gaze at the old town of Elmina. There is a park next to the Castle behind a fish market. The Benya Lagoon is also visible from the Fort St. Jago, Elmina. The main economy of the town is dependent on fishing and salt making. The Ghanian Coast stretches from east to west. The northern view is not so picturesque but gives you a glimpse of the vibrant town life. A Red Catholic church dominates the view in this area. A Methodist Church as well as a Presbyterian Church co exists in the city, reminding you of Ghana's acceptance of different brands of Christianity.
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