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Arch 22

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Historical site
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Arch 22 (Gambia)

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Arch 22 is a monumental triumphal arch located at the entrance to Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia. Standing 35 meters tall, it is one of the most prominent landmarks in the country. The arch was built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup d'état of July 22, 1994, which brought Yahya Jammeh to power. Designed by Amadou Samba and constructed by a Senegalese firm, the structure consists of eight massive pillars supporting three floors. The upper level features a gallery and a small museum showcasing artifacts from Gambian history and details of the coup. From the balcony, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Atlantic Ocean. For decades, the arch served as the focal point for national celebrations and military parades. Following the political transition in 2017, it remains an important historical monument and a major tourist attraction, representing a significant era in The Gambia's modern political history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242628292929282727272624
Rain mm10524741873062316730

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Arch 22 is a monumental triumphal arch and can be viewed from the outside. The interior is not open to the public.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, it has no opening hours. It is accessible anytime, but best seen during daylight.
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Photography
Photography is allowed from the surrounding area. Be careful of traffic when taking photos from the road.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 5 to 10 minutes. It is a quick photo stop on the way into town.
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Combine with
Combine the arch with a visit to the nearby capital Banjul or the Albert Market. The ferry to Banjul is nearby.
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Getting there
The arch is located at the entrance to Banjul on the Serrekunda-Banjul Highway. It is reachable by taxi, bus, or private car.
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Insider tip
Visit the arch in the morning to avoid traffic. A photo from the side shows the best details.

Geography

Coordinates
13.46000, -16.57900

Facts

  • The arch stands at a total height of 35 meters.
  • Built in 1996 to mark the anniversary of the 1994 coup.
  • Designed by the Gambian architect Amadou Samba.
  • Located at the entrance to Banjul on the main highway.
  • Houses a small museum of Gambian history on the second floor.
  • Supported by eight massive pillars across its three levels.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Museum of The GambiaNational Museum of The Gambia<1 km · SExplore →
Port of BanjulPort of Banjul1 km · NWExplore →
St. Mary's IslandSt. Mary's Island3 km · SWExplore →
Fort BullenFort Bullen5 km · NEExplore →
Denton BridgeDenton Bridge5 km · SExplore →
Tanbi Wetland ComplexTanbi Wetland Complex6 km · SWExplore →
Sarro Groundnut Processing PlantSarro Groundnut Processing Plant6 km · SExplore →
Old JeshwangOld Jeshwang8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Arch 22 (1)

Banjul City Council🏺 historical

The municipal townhall functions as the administrative headquarters for the local government.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does Arch 22 symbolize?
It commemorates the military coup of July 22, 1994, which brought Yahya Jammeh to power.
Can you go up the monument?
Yes, there is an elevator and stairs to a gallery with panoramic views over Banjul.
Is there a museum inside Arch 22?
Yes, a small museum about Gambian history is located on the upper floors.
How high is Arch 22?
The structure is approximately 35 meters high and is one of the tallest buildings in central Banjul.
Are there parking spaces nearby?
There is limited parking in the surrounding streets of Banjul. Hiring a driver is recommended.
Arch 22: where is it located?
Arch 22 is located in Gambia.
Arch 22: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Arch 22: why is it worth visiting?
Arch 22 is a monumental triumphal arch located at the entrance to Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia.
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Nearby cities

Banjul — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Banjul
Banjul is the capital city of The Gambia, located on St.

History & landmarks

National Museum of The Gambia — Arch 22 (Gambia)
National Museum of The Gambia
A museum in Banjul showcasing the history, culture, and ethnography of The Gambia through various exhibits.
July 22nd Square — Arch 22 (Gambia)
July 22nd Square
A central public square in Banjul used for national celebrations and parades.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Arch 22 (Gambia)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The primary Catholic church in Banjul, known for its colonial architecture and stained glass windows.
King Fahad Mosque — Arch 22 (Gambia)
King Fahad Mosque
The largest mosque in Banjul and a major religious landmark of the capital city.
Albert Market — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Albert Market
A vibrant and colorful market in Banjul, selling everything from food items to local handicrafts.
State House — Arch 22 (Gambia)
State House
The official residence and workplace of the President of The Gambia, a historic colonial-style building.

More places

National Museum of The Gambia — Arch 22 (Gambia)
National Museum of The Gambia
The museum presents a rich collection on the archaeology, ethnography, and colonial history of the country.
St. Joseph&#39;s Church Banjul — Arch 22 (Gambia)
St. Joseph's Church Banjul
The country's first Catholic church, built in the mid-19th century, a significant religious monument.
Gambia Milling Corporation — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Gambia Milling Corporation
A modern wheat mill in the Banjul port area, which produces most of the flour needed in the country.
🗺️
Fort Louvel
A small defensive work in Banjul, built in 1831 during the Barra Wars to protect British settlers.
Port of Banjul — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Port of Banjul
Gambia's main port and the economic heart of the country, through which almost all foreign trade is handled.
Banjul Fisheries Jetty — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Banjul Fisheries Jetty
A specialized port area in the capital, dedicated exclusively to the commercial fishing fleet and fish processing.
St. Mary&#39;s Island — Arch 22 (Gambia)
St. Mary's Island
The island at the mouth of the Gambia River on which the capital city Banjul is located.
Sarro Groundnut Processing Plant — Arch 22 (Gambia)
Sarro Groundnut Processing Plant
The largest facility of the Gambia Groundnut Corporation for processing and storing groundnuts for export.