On my first day in Senegal I took a ferry from the capital of Dakar to the infamous Island of Gorée. Located two kilometres from the main harbour of Dakar this beautiful but haunting island is one of the must see destinations when visiting Senegal. From the 15th to the 19th century, the island of Gorée was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Click through the slideshow below to view some of the photographs I took on the island:
Between the 15th and 19th century Gorée Island was ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French. Gorée is a small island 900 metres (3,000 ft) in length and 350 metres (1,150 ft) in width sheltered by the Cap-Vert peninsula. You can easily walk around the island in half a day exploring the small streets, viewing African arts and crafts and learning about the horrors of the slave trade that existed on the island.
The architecture on the island is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. One of the oldest houses on the island is the House of Slaves built around 1780 - 1784. The house is now a museum and tourist destination used to serve as a reminder of the human exploitation that occurred there and as a sanctuary for reconciliation.
All of my photographs from Gorée island were taken using a Canon 5D Mark 2 and a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I have written previous travel blogs from Senegal on: 'Street Photography in Dakar', 'Sunsets of Senegal', and about the 'Beach at Yoff in Dakar.' More of my travel photography from Senegal can be found on my website, my Instagram, and my Flickr account. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.