Benin Ouidah - Travel to Benin

Ouidah

Ouidah is a historic coastal town located in southern Benin, known for its significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its connection to Voodoo culture. Ouidah and History Apply for Benin visa Online to visit Ouidah

Here's some information about Ouidah:

1. Slave Route

Slave Route: Ouidah played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. The town is known for the "Route des Esclaves" (Slave Route), a poignant memorial that retraces the path of captured slaves from Ouidah to the coast. Along the route, you can find various historical landmarks, including the Gate of No Return, which symbolizes the departure of slaves from Africa.

2. History and Museums

3. Voodoo Festival

4. The Python Temple

5. Portuguese Fort

Portuguese Fort: The Portuguese Fort of São João Baptista is a historic landmark in Ouidah. Built in the 16th century, it served as a trading post and played a role in the slave trade. The fort is now a museum and offers panoramic views of the coast and the town.

6. Ouidah Beaches

Beaches: Ouidah has beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Filled with palm trees and golden sand, these beaches provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and enjoying the ocean breeze. Some popular beaches in Ouidah include Plage d'Ouidah and Plage des Pêcheurs.

7. Ouidah Basiliçca

• Door of No Return, Ouidah: Open 24 hours - from Monday to Sunday. The place is a historic sight to remind you of the tremendous agony and pain slaves went through during the slavery era, there are several monuments scattered around to take you back down memory lane but ofcourse with the right your guide which will be provided for you at the ministry at a very cheap price. Port Did Non Detour gave me an unforgettable experience. The beach and waves help provide an unnatural calm while you contemplate the weight of this landmark.
• Pythons Temple: Open hours 08:00 – 18:00 - from Monday to Sunday. Python Temple in Benin Republic is located in Ouidah town, the Voodoo capital of Benin Republic. The Pythons Temple is one of the main tourist attraction in this small town. For about a Dollar, visitors can hold and have the Python placed round their necks for pictures. Inside the abode of the serpents is chilling and several of them is seen either huddled together at a corner or slithering around. At the exit of the temple are crafts shops where one can buy anything from bangles, headrest to replicas of classical voodoo effigies.
• Ouidah Museum of History: The Ouidah History Museum also called the Portuguese Fort is located in the historic capital of Benin. Ouidah museum is actually the last standing edifice that represents the story of the slave trade amongst the major participants in the transatlantic slave transactions. It also gives you insight on the history of the ouidah people. One remarkable thing that caught my attention is the manner in which the king of Dahomey treated their subjects before the advent of the slave merchants.
• The Museum of the Zinsou Foundation: It is a beautiful little museum which houses in itself the most beautiful works of African art and which at the same time illustrates the thoughts and way of life of the Beninese world. The contemporary arts collection is quite exquisite and allows for an enjoyable visit for both art lovers and enthusiasts.