Dahomey (originally Ajudá, from Hweda, on the Atlantic coast of modern Benin), reached by the Portuguese in 1580, after which it grew around the slave trade, for which the Slave Coast was already renowned. In 1680 the Portuguese governor of São Tomé and Príncipe was authorized to erect a fort but nothing was done and it was only in 1721 that construction of the fort, which was named Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá, started. The fort, built on land given to Portugal by King Haffon of Whydah, remained under Portuguese control from 1721 until 1961. Population The population evolution of Ouidah is as follows: Notable landmarks Attractions in Ouidah include a restored mansion of Brazilian slavers (the Maison du Brésil), a Vodun python temple, an early twentieth century basilica and the Sacred Forest of Kpasse, dotted with bronze statues. The Route des Esclaves, by which slaves were taken to the beach, has numerous statues and monuments, including the Door of No Return, a memorial arch. The Market Center of Ouidah, which was established by Scouts more than 20 years ago, trains young people in agricultural skills, thus helping to reverse the exodus towards the cities. Ouidah is often considered the spiritual capital of the Vodun religion, and hosts an annual international Vodun conference. Other landmarks include: Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception Ouidah Museum of History Zinsou Foundation Museum World Heritage Status This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 31 October 1996 in the Cultural category. Notable people Redoshi (d. 1937), and Matilda McCrear (d, 1940), last known survivors of the Transatlantic slave trade Patrice Talon (1958), president of Benin Angélique Kidjo (1960), singer Oscar Olou (1987), footballer See also Heads of State of Benin Heads of Government of Benin Whydah Gally References WorldStatesmen- Benin not quite worked in yet La ville d'Ouidah : quartiers anciens et Route de l'Esclave – UNESCO World Heritage Centre External links Door of No Return Communes of Benin Populated places in Benin Portuguese forts Populated places established in the 16th century Capitals of former nations Portuguese colonisation in Africa Former enclaves Former Portuguese colonies