Banjul, The Gambia's capital city, is on Saint Mary's Island on the Atlantic Ocean and near the mouth of the River Gambia. Known as Bathurst, this little island city's colonial structures and cultural artefacts continue to draw visitors. Banjul, also known as the City of Light, is the presidential seat. Here are the top ten things to see and do in Banjul.
Plan a trip to this city of Banjul with Tap Portugal Booking and enjoy your vacation in Banjul.
1. Six-Gun Battery
Six Gun Battery, one of The Gambia's World Heritage Sites, is very next to the presidential palace. Its origins can be back to the 1830s, 20 years after the abolition of the slave trade. It was after the British discovered that, despite the abolition of slavery, certain Spanish and Americans were still sneaking in at night and trading slaves. To put an end to this heinous trade, British explorers installed formidable canon artillery and bombarded any ship discovered to be trafficking slaves. In 1826, similar cannon armament was at Fort Bullen in Barra for the same purpose.
2. Fort Louvel
Fort Louvel, which was around 1830 to protect British towns from the King of Barra, is another popular destination for visitors to Banjul. It came after a difficult conflict between the British and the Barra, in which the Barra won the first fight. The British then withdrew and sought reinforcement from Sierra Leone. But, the British believed that the people of Barra would cross into Banjul and begin new attacks on them at any time. So, in effect, the fort's built to protect the British, and it's named after Lieutenant Louvel, a commander of the British soldiers at the time.
3. Denton Bridge
The Denton Bridge connects the capital city of Banjul to the mainland of The Gambia. The name was inspired by Sir George Chardin Denton, the former Governor of The Gambia. The bridge, first opened in 1986, is the only road linking the Gambia's mainland to Banjul, with the only other option being a ferry from Barra. Its strategic location makes it a popular tourist destination because it is the ideal location for most yachts and pirogues to dock before leaving on their trips.
4. Lady of the Assumption Cathedral
The Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, or Cathedral of Banjul's built between 1913 and 1916 during the British colonial era. It is at the intersection of Hagan and Picton Streets. Since then, the Catholic church has served as an important temple and the headquarters of the Diocese of Banjul. Pope John Paul II was to have visited the temple while travelling through Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea in 1992. Its stunning high rise, combined with its strategic location, acts as a magnet for visitors, who take photographs of the skyscraper located in the city centre.
5. Arch 22
This majestic building, located near the gateway to Banjul, is one of the landmarks commemorating The Gambia's military takeover in 1994. Arch 22 is one of Banjul's highest buildings, at 118 feet (36 metres) tall. The edifice, which towers over Independence Drive, the major entrance into Banjul's capital city, houses a modest museum on the upper floor. Visitors can get a great panoramic view of Banjul's central city from the top floor. Every day, a big number of people visit there.
6. Albert Market
Albert Market is one of Gambia's busiest and most prominent urban markets. The market, which is on Liberation Avenue, is to have been erected in the mid-nineteenth century. It's named after Albert, Prince Consort and Queen Victoria's husband, who ruled The Gambia during colonial times. Every day, a large number of merchants and visitors visit this bustling market. This is the finest area to come if you want to get a feel for the usual Gambian market style. The market is always brimming with created fabrics, carved wooden masks, and fresh fruit.
7. National Museum
The Gambia National Museum houses historical records and displays about the country's rich cultural history. It opened in 1985, 15 years after the Friends of the National Museum Association's founded, in the centre of Banjul. Its major aim is to collect and preserve artefacts that document The Gambia's material culture. It also serves as a resource for both visitors to the country and inhabitants who are unfamiliar with Gambian history. The historic cultural house has become a must-see attraction for all tourists to The Gambia on vacation.
8. Banjul-Barra Ferry Terminal
The ferry crossing connects Banjul to the Barra hamlet in the Northern Bank Region and beyond. Every day, thousands of passengers, including commuters, cross the four-mile (7km) section to reach either side of the river. The ferry crossing site is also an important economic lifeline, contributing to the country's GDP. Visitors to the Banjul terminal come from all around the world.
9. Sea Port of Banjul/GPA
The Banjul Sea Port, located on the banks of the Gambia River, is one of the world's busiest maritime channels. Over the years, this port has become an important hub in the sub-region, particularly providing world-class cargo handling services. The Gambia Ports Authority Act established the seaport in 1972, and it is now utilised for loading and unloading cargo for container ships, tankers, and other ocean-going cargo vessels. Because of its helpful location at the river's mouth, it also serves as a maritime base for the Gambian National Navy. Take a walk and meet their friendly staff, who are always willing to give visitors a guided tour of the property.
10. Banjul Demba Cultural Fest
It may not be an institution, but its brand is throughout the world. This important cultural festival arose from the city's desire to revitalise traditional festivals that highlight Gambia's art, dancing, music, and cultural history. The Banjul Demba Cultural Festival is one of the city's most prominent cultural events. Every January, the annual cultural fair provides guests and visitors with a unique opportunity to watch cultural acts centred on arts, dance, and music. Every year, hundreds of Banjulians from home and abroad attend the cultural festival.
Enjoy every bit of everything in Tap Portugal flight change and enjoy Banjul’s famous food.
0 Comments