Fortress Elmina is a historic castle located on the coast of Ghana. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it was the first European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. The fortress served as a key trading post for gold and later became a significant site in the transatlantic slave trade. Over the centuries, Fortress Elmina changed hands between various European powers, including the Dutch and the British. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors who come to learn about its complex history and the impact of colonialism in West Africa.