Fort San Sebastian is a Portuguese fort located in Shama, a small town in the Western Region of Ghana. It was built in the 16th century and served as a trading post for the Portuguese. The fort is an important historical landmark in Ghana and attracts tourists from all over the world.
History of Fort San Sebastian
The story of Fort San Sebastian is a captivating and abundant one. Constructed in the 16th century by the Portuguese, the fort served as a hub for commerce, where they traded prized resources like gold and ivory with the natives. Furthermore, the fort functioned as a storehouse for goods and a sanctuary for Portuguese vessels during stormy weather.
In the 17th century, the fort was attacked and captured by the Dutch. It was then used as a trading post for the Dutch until it was later captured by the British in the 19th century. The fort was then used as a colonial outpost and a center for the slave trade. The fort was eventually abandoned in the 20th century and fell into disrepair.
Fort San Sebastian is a well-preserved example of Portuguese military architecture. The fort is built on a hill overlooking the sea, which provides strategic advantages. It has a triangular shape with a moat and bastions at the corners. The walls of the fort are made of stone and have embrasures for cannons. The fort has a central courtyard and a chapel. The chapel is still standing and is used for religious services.
Visiting Fort San Sebastian
A trip to Fort San Sebastian can be a stimulating and informative adventure. The fort is accessible to the public, and visitors can wander through the fort and its environs. Guided tours are on offer, and visitors can gain knowledge about the fort’s past and design.
The fort’s opening hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Entrance fees are as follows:
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee* |
| Pupils from Primary to JHS 3 | GH¢ 0.50 |
| SHS Students | GH¢ 1.00 |
| Tertiary Students with ID | GH¢ 2.00 |
| Ghanaian Adults | GH¢ 5.00 |
| Foreign Children | USD 2.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis |
| Foreign Students with ID | USD 7.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis |
| Adult Foreigners | USD 10.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis |
*Entrance fees were reviewed in February 2013
Fort San Sebastian is an important historical landmark in Ghana that is worth visiting. Its rich history and fascinating architecture make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Ghana’s culture and history.
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