Located along the south coast of Ghana, the fishing port of Elmina is best-known for its beautiful beaches and serves as the capital of the region. It is also known as a historical slave trading port and offers visitors a glimpse into the tragic history of the slave trade. Visitors can learn more about the area's past by visiting a number of fascinating sites including: the 17th-century Fort St. Jago, the Elmina Java Museum, the Dutch Cemetery and Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara.