Gorée Island is one of the 19 communes d'arrondissement (i.e. "commune of arrondissement") of the city of Dakar, Senegal. It is a 0.182 square kilometres (45 acres) island located 2 kilometres at sea from the main harbour of Dakar.

 

 

Its population as of 31 January 2005 official estimates is 1,056 inhabitants, giving a density of 5,802 inh. per km² (15,028 inh. per sq. mile), which is only half the average density of the city of Dakar. Gorée is both the smallest and the least populated of the 19 communes d'arrondissement of Dakar.

Gorée is famous as a destination for people interested in the Atlantic slave trade. In fact, however, relatively few slaves were processed or transported from there. The more important centers for the slave trade from Senegal were north, at Saint-Louis, Senegal or to the south in The Gambia, at the mouths of major rivers for trade.

 

 

The particular atmosphere that emanates from this bewitching island, a combination of magic and tragedy, makes it a unique place not only in Senegal but in the world.

Narrow and peaceful lanes and red ochre houses adorned with bougainvilleas impart indisputable charm or this town, the fruit of yesteryear's wealth acquired thanks to the triangular trade.

 

 

 

Gorée is also one of the (minor) infernal doors that opened onto the Americas ; taken for more than three centuries by millions of humans chained together and forced to board ships headed for the New World.

A veritable place of memory and contemplation, Gorée, listed among the Unesco World Heritage Sites, exerts a real fascination and provokes deep emotion from its visitors.

The Island of Gorée offers a harbour of peace and gentleness which Dakar residents would have trouble finding in the capital city. It is also home to various contemporary artists, who come to recharge their batteries and find inspiration.

La Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) : Its pink hue, the beauty of its architecture and the strange serenity that seems to reign in the courtyard far from erase the horrors that it witnessed in the past. It is not hard to imagine the torture that was forced upon the populations that passed through here. Visiting the Maison des Esclaves invites visitors to consider other people and their differences, a real tribute to the African peoples and its history.

Fort d'Estrées : The Fort, built with its back to the sea, houses the Musée Historique, which retraces the history of Senegal and Gorée, from Neolithic times to Independence. It exhibits prehistoric artefacts and various documents relative to primitive kingdoms, slavery and colonisation.
A visit at the beginning of your stay will enable you to understand the country better.

 

The Musée de la Mer : This house, which once belonged to the East India Company, will delight all lovers of the sea. You will find collections of marine species, models of dugouts and other treasures celebrating the cult of the sea.

The Musée de la Femne : This museum helps to understand the discreet but essential role played by women in Senegalese society.

You will find photographs, everyday objects, and musical instruments.