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Slave House of Agbodrafo
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The Slave House of Agbodrafo, commonly known as Woold Homé, is a poignant historical site located on the Togolese coast between Lomé and Aného. Constructed around 1835 by the Afro-Brazilian slave trader Francisco de Souza, the house functioned as a clandestine transit point during the illegal phase of the Atlantic slave trade. The architectural design of the building is a chilling testament to its history: while the upper floor served as a residence for the traders, the cramped cellar spaces, measuring only 1.5 meters in height, were used to hold hundreds of captives. In these airless basement rooms, enslaved people were forced to remain in a hunched position to break their spirit before being shipped to the Americas. Victims were often moved under the cover of night across Lake Togo to waiting vessels. Today, the site is a national monument and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. It serves as a vital educational center and a memorial for the millions who suffered during the slave trade era.
- Location: Togo
- Top sights: O Lodge Water Park / Hotel · Wood Home
- Nearby: Lake Togo (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 33 | 86 | 118 | 171 | 181 | 111 | 57 | 132 | 140 | 40 | 16 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Slave House of Agbodrafo is a historical museum and can be visited. It provides a poignant insight into the 19th-century transatlantic slave trade.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to check the exact hours in advance.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the exhibition rooms without flash. Out of respect for history, avoid selfies in particularly emotional spots.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the visit. The exhibition is compact but highly impactful.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along the beach of Agbodrafo. The nearby settlements provide further historical context.
Getting there
Agbodrafo is about 35 km east of Lomé along the coast. The slave house is easily reachable by taxi or rental car.
Insider tip
Take time to examine the inscriptions and preserved chains - they tell a moving story. A visit at low tide also allows exploration of the nearby coast.
Geography
Facts
- The house was built circa 1835 by trader Francisco de Souza.
- It is located in the town of Agbodrafo (formerly Porto Seguro).
- The holding cells have a ceiling height of only 1.5 meters.
- Enslaved people were transported from here via Lake Togo.
- The site was officially designated a national monument in 1991.
- It is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Slave House of Agbodrafo (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Slave House of Agbodrafo?
It is a memorial site for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, an important place in Togolese history.
What are the opening hours?
It is usually open during the day, but one should check with local tourist offices beforehand.
Is admission free?
Often, a small entrance fee is charged for the maintenance of the memorial site.
What can you see there?
You can find exhibitions and architectural testimonies of the tragic era of the slave trade.
Is the place hard to reach?
No, it is located near Agbodrafo, which is easily accessible via the coastal road from Lomé.
Slave House of Agbodrafo: where is it located?
Slave House of Agbodrafo is located in Togo.
Slave House of Agbodrafo: what is there to see?
Highlights include O Lodge Water Park / Hotel, Wood Home.
Slave House of Agbodrafo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Slave House of Agbodrafo: why is it worth visiting?
The Slave House of Agbodrafo, commonly known as Woold Homé, is a poignant historical site located on the Togolese coast between Lomé and Aného.
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