Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND DAKAR
TOP OF CHAPTER
Île de Gorée
Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, the historical, Unesco-
designated Île de Gorée is enveloped by an almost eerie calm. There are no sealed roads
and no cars on this island, just narrow alleyways with trailing bougainvilleas and colonial
brick buildings with wrought-iron balconies - it's a living, visual masterpiece. But Gorée's
calm is not so much romantic as meditative, as the ancient, elegant buildings bear witness
to the island's role in the Atlantic slave trade.
You pay a tourist tax of CFA600 at the booth to the left of the ferry landing. If you need
a guide, you can arrange it there, but the island is easily explored independently.
Sights & Activities
Gorée is an internationally famous symbol of the tragedy of the Atlantic slave trade.
Though relatively few slaves were actually shipped from here, the island was a place where
much of the trade was orchestrated. Many artists also live here and their work is displayed
at various small art galleries around town.
Maison des Esclaves
MUSEUM
(Slave House; admission CFA600; 10am-noon & 2.30-6.30pm Tue-Sun)
Set in a former grand home, al-
legedly used as a departure point for slaves (see boxed text
Click here
), this is one of the
most important monuments to the slave trade and features the famous 'doorway to
nowhere' opening directly to the sea.
IFAN Historical Museum
MUSEUM
( 33 822 2003; admission CFA600; 10am-noon & 2.30-6pm Tue-Sat)
Contains ancient island maps,
photos and artefacts under low, white arcs. Note: when you walk upstairs you're greated by
fabulous views of Dakar.
Castel
HILL
Climb to the top of the Castel, the southern tip of the island, for great views, and seek out
the cluster of tiny arts workshops filled with pieces by local artists.
