Ouidah, Benin. Gate of No Return (1995). Perfectly symmetrical frontal view, captured from the central axis of the ceremonial path. The white and dark red concrete arch, designed by Beninese architect Yves Ahouangnimon and inaugurated in 1995 at UNESCO's initiative, opens directly onto the Atlantic Ocean. The golden frieze depicts the forced march of captives toward slave ships. The metal sculptures flanking the arch are the work of Dominique Kouas Gnonnou (bronzes) and Yves Kpede (egungun). Columns and bas reliefs were created by Fortuné Bandeira. November 2025.

Categories

Africa

Benin

The Atlantique Department

Ouidah

The Gate of No Return area

Gate of No Return

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KI_J54IPRH

Media Name:

Gate of No Return

Author:

Tarek Charara

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Last Modified:

01/03/2026

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01/03/2026

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Rights Managed

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Ouidah, Benin. Gate of No Return (1995). Perfectly symmetrical frontal view, captured from the central axis of the ceremonial path. The white and dark-red concrete arch, designed by Beninese architect Yves Ahouangnimon and inaugurated in 1995 at UNESCO's initiative, opens directly onto the Atlantic Ocean. The golden frieze depicts the forced march of captives toward slave ships. The metal sculptures flanking the arch are the work of Dominique Kouas Gnonnou (bronzes) and Yves Kpede (egungun). Columns and bas-reliefs were created by Fortuné Bandeira. November 2025.