Ouidah - fishermen boats on the beach Ouidah is a small town in southern Benin, at the coast of Atlantic Ocean. It is famous for two or three reasons. One - the slave trade initiated by the cruel king of Dahomey passed through the town, before the people were loaded onto vessels and shipped across the Atlatic, mainly to Brazil. There is a Gate of No Return at the beach, which symbolises the last moments of the slaves in Africa. Two - for the voodoo practices, which still take place there, there is also a museum and the voodoo shrine of the python. And potentially three - the John Paul II visit to a church, which was largely expanded for his visit. Ouidah once was home for three mighty forts. Now, only small bits of the Portuguese fort remain, which do not resemble a fortified or military structure. The town nowadays is pleasant with low architecture and narrow streets. But perhaps the beach is the greatest assets. It is vast and clean. There are a few decent accommodation options there, some of which serve good food. [edit text]  [editors]

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