Goree

Goree, officially Île de Gorée, is a small island off the Atlantic coast of Senegal, near Dakar. The island lies about 2 kilometers from the Dakar peninsula and measures roughly 900 meters in length and 350 meters in width, covering about 28 hectares. It is connected to the mainland by a short ferry ride from the Dakar harbor. The built environment comprises colonial-era brick and plaster houses, narrow lanes, and a small concentration of museums and historic sites, with traffic largely restricted to preserve the island’s character.

Historically, Gorée became an important node in the Atlantic slave trade from the 15th to the 19th centuries. European traders operated from the island, and enslaved Africans were held in cramped rooms before being transported to the Americas. The House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves) on Gorée is the best-known symbol of this history and functions as a museum and memorial, though it represents one facet of the broader regional history. Other colonial-era buildings and fortifications survive on the island, reflecting its long period of contact and exchange.

Today, Gorée is recognized as a cultural and historic site that attracts visitors seeking remembrance, education, and a sense of place in the Atlantic slave trade narrative. A small resident community supports tourism, fishing, and local crafts, and preservation efforts aim to maintain the island’s historic character while providing context and reflection for visitors.