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St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church

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St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church

St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church

Located in Elmina, near Cape Coast, this Roman Catholic church was built in 1880 and is the first Catholic church in Ghana. Visitors come here to see the historical architecture and the busts of the founding priests that flank the entrance.

Getting There

The basilica is situated within the town of Elmina. From the Cape Coast city centre, you can reach the church via a short taxi or ride-share trip. The journey typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on local traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to walk through the grounds and view the exterior and interior of the building.

When to Visit

Morning visits are generally quieter. Be aware that the church may become crowded during Sunday services or local religious holidays. Visitors should dress modestly in accordance with the religious nature of the site.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location in Elmina, the basilica can be combined with other local sites. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Fort Coenraadsburg (0.4km)
  • Elmina Java Museum (1.6km)
  • Kakum River (4.4km)
  • St. Francis de Sales Cathedral (8.1km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church

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St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Cape Coast 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Cape Coast grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Fort Coenraadsburg

Castles & palaces

Fort Coenraadsburg

A small fort in Cape Coast, Ghana, standing opposite Elmina Castle on the site of a former Portuguese chapel. It bears witness to the history of the transatlantic slave trade and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

0.4 km away
Elmina Java Museum

Museums & galleries

Elmina Java Museum

This museum in Elmina tells the story of local soldiers who served in the Dutch East Indies army during the 19th century. It offers a window into the intertwined past of West Africa and Europe through this little-known history.

1.6 km away
Kakum River

Nature

Kakum River

A river flowing near Cape Coast that gave its name to the famous Kakum National Park. It also supplies drinking water to Cape Coast and several surrounding towns.

4.4 km away
St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

A Roman Catholic cathedral in Cape Coast dedicated to St. Francis de Sales. As one of the city's landmark religious buildings, it makes for a quiet, pleasant visit.

8.1 km away
Fosu Lagoon

Nature

Fosu Lagoon

This lagoon in Cape Coast, Ghana, connects to the Atlantic Ocean. It has long been a source of livelihood for local residents and offers views of untouched natural scenery.

10.7 km away
Fort McCarthy

Castles & palaces

Fort McCarthy

Built during the era of British Gold Coast rule, this fort is one of several colonial-era structures scattered around Cape Coast. Its old walls and ruins offer a glimpse into that period's history.

12.3 km away