The Door of No Return

A poignant reminder of the African slave trade, the Door of No Return is a stirring monument dedicated to its victims. Set against the backdrop of Atlantic Ocean, the memorial stands on the rippled sands of Ouidah beach. It is built at the exact point of departure, where the enslaved were transported from the port to other colonies across the sea. Oppressed by authorities, the slaves would leave their families and lives behind this gate, only to never return. Made of concrete and bronze, the red-colored arched gate is etched with reliefs, depicting the serfs and their agony. Inaugurated in the year 1995, the memorial is a moving tribute to one of the most tragic chapters of world history.