10 Things to Do in the Door of No Return, Ouidah Benin
The Door of No Return in Ouidah Benin is a monument that stands as a reminder of the millions of Africans who were taken away from their homes and sold into slavery. The Door of No Return was the last point of contact between the Africans and their homeland before they were shipped off to the New World. Today, the Door of No Return serves as a reminder of the horrors of slavery and the strength of the African people who were able to survive and thrive despite the adversity. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Door of No Return in Ouidah Benin.
1. Visit the Sacred Forest of Ouidah: The Sacred Forest of Ouidah is a sacred site that was dedicated to the African slave trade. It is a place of great spiritual significance and is said to be the home of the spirits of the ancestors of the slaves who were taken away from Ouidah. The Sacred Forest is a place of healing and remembrance and is a must-see when visiting the Door of No Return.
2. Visit the Point of No Return Monument: The Point of No Return Monument is a memorial to the millions of Africans who were taken away from their homes and sold into slavery. The monument is made of bronze and is inscribed with the names of the enslaved Africans. This monument is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the African people and is an important part of the Door of No Return experience.
3. Explore the Door of No Return Museum: The Door of No Return Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the African slave trade. The museum contains artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the slave trade in Ouidah and its impact on the African people. This museum is an important part of the Door of No Return experience and provides a unique perspective on the history of slavery.
4. Visit the Historic Slave Market: The Historic Slave Market in Ouidah was the site of the largest slave market in West Africa. The market was used to sell thousands of African slaves to the European traders. Today, the Historic Slave Market is a reminder of the horrors of slavery and a testament to the strength of the African people who were able to survive and thrive despite the adversity.
5. Take a Tour of the Ouidah Slave Route: The Ouidah Slave Route is a tour that takes visitors through the history of the African slave trade. The tour includes stops at key sites in Ouidah, such as the Historic Slave Market, the Door of No Return, and the Sacred Forest of Ouidah. The tour is an important part of the Door of No Return experience and is a great way to learn more about the history of slavery.
6. Visit the Temple of Pythons: The Temple of Pythons is a temple dedicated to the African god of fertility, Dan. The temple is home to a number of pythons, which are believed to be the messengers of Dan. The Temple of Pythons is an important part of the Door of No Return experience and is a great place to learn more about the African culture and religion.
7. Take a Boat Trip to the Slave Island: The Slave Island is an island located off the coast of Ouidah that was used as a holding area for slaves before they were shipped off to the New World. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination and is a great way to explore the history of the African slave trade.
8. Visit the King of Dahomey Palace: The King of Dahomey Palace is a palace that was built by the King of Dahomey in the 18th century. The palace is a reminder of the power and wealth of the African kings and is a great place to explore the culture and history of the African people.
9. Visit the Village of Zomai: The Village of Zomai is an ancient village that was once the home of the slaves that were taken away from Ouidah. The village is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the African people and is a great place to explore the culture and history of the African people.
10. Visit the Door of No Return Monument: The Door of No Return Monument is a monument that stands as a reminder of the millions of Africans who were taken away from their homes and sold into slavery. The monument is made of bronze and is inscribed with the names of the enslaved Africans. This monument is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the African people and is an important part of the Door of No Return experience.