James Town Lighthouse, Accra
The Jamestown Lighthouse is a striking landmark that stands as a symbol of the city鈥檚 maritime and colonial history. Erected in the 1930s to replace the original Jamesfort Light from 1871, the lighthouse serves as a functional navigational aid and a historical monument. Towering 28 meters high, this stone structure is painted white with red horizontal bands, making it easily distinguishable. The lighthouse is visible up to 16 nautical miles away, guiding vessels safely to shore while embodying the legacy of British colonial influence in the region.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse鈥檚 112 steps to reach the summit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and the Jamestown district. The ascent involves a spiral metal staircase followed by a wooden section that requires careful backward maneuvering for descent. At the top, the lantern provides a panoramic view of the coastline and the bustling neighborhoods of Accra, making it a favored spot for cultural and historical exploration. While photography is prohibited without official permission, the experience of the lighthouse's vantage point leaves a lasting impression.
The lighthouse remains operational today, serving both practical and symbolic roles. It continues to aid maritime navigation while drawing tourists eager to explore its historical significance and architectural charm.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse鈥檚 112 steps to reach the summit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and the Jamestown district. The ascent involves a spiral metal staircase followed by a wooden section that requires careful backward maneuvering for descent. At the top, the lantern provides a panoramic view of the coastline and the bustling neighborhoods of Accra, making it a favored spot for cultural and historical exploration. While photography is prohibited without official permission, the experience of the lighthouse's vantage point leaves a lasting impression.
The lighthouse remains operational today, serving both practical and symbolic roles. It continues to aid maritime navigation while drawing tourists eager to explore its historical significance and architectural charm.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Accra. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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James Town Lighthouse on Map
Sight Name: James Town Lighthouse
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Accra, Ghana
Create Your Own Walk in Accra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Accra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Accra Introduction Walking Tour
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a charming mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city's origins trace back to the Ga people, who settled along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and were nicknamed Nkran, meaning "ants", for their industrious nature. The nickname also referred to the numerous anthills found in the area. During European colonization, the term... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles