Banjul’s diverse population has left the city with a rich heritage most visibly seen in its architecture, with several sites of special interest.
A stroll around the city centre will tell you the story of Banjul. You’ll see traditional kirinting houses, some of the oldest structures in Banjul. Constructed of bamboo by African settlers in the 19th century, they were quick and cheap to build and have stood the test of time. Colonial merchant houses, with ornate wrought-iron columns and tottering balconies, are a constant reminder of the wealth generated by the dark days of the slave trade.
The minarets of the King Fahad Masjid dominate the skyline, but the mosque is one of Banjul’s newer additions. It can accommodate 6,000 worshippers at once and the fusion of old and new Islamic styles makes it well worth seeing.
No trip to Banjul is complete without a visit to Arch 22. Towering over its surroundings, the monument commemorates The Gambia’s bid for freedom in 1994 when the country gained independence in a bloodless coup. The arch also houses a small museum displaying a variety of Gambian artefacts, including weapons, textiles and art.