The Fortaleza de São Jorge da Mina, also known as Elmina Castle, is a historic fortress located in Ghana. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it served as a key trading post for gold and later became a significant site in the transatlantic slave trade. The castle's strategic position on the Atlantic coast allowed it to control maritime trade routes. The fortress features thick stone walls, a central courtyard, and various chambers used for storage and living quarters. It was later captured by the Dutch and then the British, reflecting the changing colonial powers in West Africa. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors interested in its rich history.