Modou Lamin Njie

This former slave island off the coast of Dakar, you definitely visit if you are in Dakar.

It is one of the most important monuments of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and now by the UNESCO as a world monument.
The influences of the various dominations: Portuguese, Dutch (who gave the island its name), English and French are still clearly recognizable.
The brightly colored houses give the island an almost Mediterranean character.

Who sets foot ashore on Goree is immediately struck by the historical appearance of the island.
And a turbulent history, it is certainly dead!
The various museums and attractions on the island now give meaning to the past.

The Slave House
The Maison des esclaves is the only remaining slave house on the island.
It is fully restored and is preserved by the extremely enthusiastic Joseph Ndiaye, a charismatic 80-year-old who still takes care of the tours himself.
It is a small house with little background information. It is the atmosphere and seeing the "Porte de non-return", the spaces where the slaves were held, the chains and the balance, that makes a deep impression.
It is already several years to discuss how many slaves from Goree are actually shipped. The number would be much lower than previously thought. However the island is clearly a symbolic function and a visit is very impressive.

The Women's Museum
Women on the island played a major role. During the domination by the French, were Signares (descendants of slaves and Europeans who were born free) as maitresses of white dignitaries acted. They built these contacts with a great wealth that was expressed in beautiful houses that are still on the island are located. For example, the house of Signara Victoria Ablis (1771), now houses the Musée de la Femme. Here is more than attention to the role of women in Senegal. The various ethnic groups, urban and rural, rich and poor, daily life, literature and politics are all discussed.
The museum is a private initiative and provides for its maintenance.

Le Castel
It is situated on the remains of an extinct volcano.. The remains of the old forts Saint Michel and Orange (the Dutch period) you still find the guns from the second world war. Goree was held by the Vichy regime and they were used against the allies. It appears that the guns have only one shot. They have shoot a Dutch ship leak which is still off the coast lies. The ferry to Goree must sail around to not touch.

Fort d' Estree
Located at the port of Goree, this fort has always played a crucial role in defending the island. It is named after French admiral who in 1677 recaptured the island from Holland.
After his military function was lost (1950) it server even until 1977 as a prison.
Now there is the historical museum that gives an overview of the history of Senegal in all its facets.

Tips
The island is ideal for a day trip from Dakar. The ferry departure punctually and 10.00 hours is an ideal departure. On the island is much to see. You can walk to and there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafés, a beach and a nice market with affordable souvenirs.