Arch 22
Banjul, Gambia
A tall white archway perched on eight huge fluted columns, Arch 22 was built to commemorate the military coup of 1994. It’s considered Banjul’s most important landmark—even appearing on the 100-dalasi note—and houses a small museum and café, though most travelers visit for the sweeping views.
The basics
Like 22 July Square, Arch 22 takes its name from the military coup of July 22, 1994, a moment that led to Yahya Jammeh’s brutal dictatorship. Today, it’s less politicized, although a few photos in the museum commemorate the deposed president Dawda Jawara amid other symbols of Gambian life and traditions.
One of the tallest structures in the city, Arch 22 offers views of the minarets of King Fahad Mosque and Banjul’s corrugated rooftops, plus the mangrove forest, river, and ocean. Most Banjul city tours include a stop here, and joining a tour is a great alternative to piecing together taxis.
Things to know before you go
- Arch 22 is a good choice for photographers, sightseers, and people with an interest in Gambian history.
- Arch 22 is right by the I Love Banjul sign
- There are elevators to Arch 22’s upper levels, but these are not always working, so the upper levels may not be fully accessible.
How to get there
Arch 22 spans Banjul’s Independence Drive, the main road into and out of the city, about a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) drive northwest of the ferry terminal. Banjul’s transit systems aren’t set up for foreigners, so it’s generally easiest to take a green tourist taxi or join a tour.
When to get there
Arch 22 is open daily and is rarely overly crowded, so visit at a time that works for you.
Banjul for history buffs
If you’d like to learn more about the country’s history, the National Museum tells the story of the region from the Stone Age to the end of the colonial period. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Six-Gun Battery’s guns and fortifications formed part of the campaign to eliminate slavery. The Banjul State House, with its grand neoclassical portico, is a striking work of colonial architecture, while the Albert Market has been operating since the 1800s.
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