World Heritage Identification Number: 26
World Heritage since: 1978
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇸🇳 Senegal
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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Historical Significance and Architectural Landscape of the Island of Gorée
The Island of Gorée, situated approximately two kilometers off the coast of Senegal, serves as a poignant testament to the complex and tumultuous history of the Atlantic slave trade. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this 18.2-hectare (45-acre) island offers a unique blend of architectural styles that reflect its multifaceted past.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
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.
Encyclopedia Record: Gorée
Île de Gorée is one of the 19 communes d'arrondissement of the city of Dakar, Senegal. It is an 18.2-hectare (45-acre) island located two kilometres at sea from the main harbour of Dakar, famous as a destination for people interested in the Atlantic slave trade.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
Coordinates: 14.66722 , -17.40083
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© Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
