Église de Saint-Charles
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St. Charles Borromeo Church

4.3
·60 reviews·Dakar, Senegal

A serene and historically significant Catholic church on Goree Island, offering a peaceful sanctuary for reflection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Église de Saint-Charles

St. Charles Borromeo Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene and historically significant Catholic church on Goree Island, offering a peaceful sanctuary for reflection.

4.3
(60 reviews)

"A beautiful and an old Catholic church in Goree island. Entrance is free. Feels very peaceful to sit and look around."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Reflection

Entrance is free, making it an accessible spot for quiet reflection. A peaceful escape on Goree Island. :pray:

No Candle Lighting Option

Note that there's no option to light candles for prayer or gratitude within the church. :candle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tasteful Altar and Side Chapels

Tasteful Altar and Side Chapels

Main Sanctuary

Admire the tasteful main altar and side altars, including one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A serene space for contemplation.

Replica of the Pieta and Stations of the Cross

Replica of the Pieta and Stations of the Cross

Main Sanctuary

Reflect on the carved Stations of the Cross and a replica of the Pieta, adding to the church's spiritual ambiance.

Spiral Staircase to the Choir Loft

Spiral Staircase to the Choir Loft

Second Floor

Ascend the unique spiral staircase to the choir loft, offering a different perspective of the church's interior.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to St. Charles Borromeo Church

While St. Charles Borromeo Church is open all day, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds. Weekends, especially during services, can be busy. Check for specific mass schedules if you wish to attend a service or experience the church during its most active hours.

Respectful Exploration of a Sacred Space

As an active place of worship, remember to dress respectfully and maintain a quiet demeanor. Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of ongoing services. The church offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection, a welcome contrast to the historical weight of Goree Island.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During non-service hours
Why
Uninterrupted exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#videoviral #dakarsacrecoeur wé are Dsc 🫶🤝
@dijaneyjr10
21.2K likes • 170.1K views

Free Entry & Reflection

Entrance is free, making it an accessible spot for quiet reflection. A peaceful escape on Goree Island. :pray:

No Candle Lighting Option

Note that there's no option to light candles for prayer or gratitude within the church. :candle:

LAISSEZ VENIR À MOI LES PETITS ENFANTS 🕺🏾💃🏽 ENTRÉE DE MONSEIGNEUR BENJAMIN NDIAYE LORS DE LA MESSE CHRISMALE À LA CATHÉDRALE DE DAKAR #fyp #viral_video #victory #❤️ #light #peace #blessed #blessings #world #onelove #god #ready #jesus #church #singlelife #beyou #beyourself #prayer #pray #catholic #jesus #christ #easter #baby #kidsoftiktok
@mariejoe_nd
6.2K likes • 57.8K views
NYC Catholic Church Tours Part V: St. Charles Borromeo (@stcharlesbklyn) 19 Sidney Place, Brooklyn
adam_llorens
101 likes • 2.6K views

Comfortable, Practical Pews

The wooden pews are practical and offer reasonable comfort for your visit. :seat:

Historical Significance

Consider its history as a center of faith amidst the island's somber past. :thought_balloon:

St Charles Borromeo Church! Beyond Fabulous Finished Craftsmanship! #churches #godisgood #constructors911 #stcharles #stlouis #slateroof #copperroofs #1 #roofers4life
constructors911
4 likes • 68 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Reflection

Entrance is free, making it an accessible spot for quiet reflection. A peaceful escape on Goree Island. :pray:

No Candle Lighting Option

Note that there's no option to light candles for prayer or gratitude within the church. :candle:

Comfortable, Practical Pews

The wooden pews are practical and offer reasonable comfort for your visit. :seat:

Historical Significance

Consider its history as a center of faith amidst the island's somber past. :thought_balloon:

Visit After Goree Island

A recommended visit after exploring the Goree Island slavery quarters for a contrasting experience. :island:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(60 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find St. Charles Borromeo Church to be a beautiful, peaceful, and free place of reflection on Goree Island. Its tasteful altar and devotional art are appreciated, offering a serene contrast to the island's somber history. Some note the lack of candle lighting and the limited space in the choir loft.

"This tastefully decorated Catholic Church is open al day. The altar is simply tasteful with center altar and side altars on either side, on dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church does not have an option to light candles for praise, prayer or gratitude.
The wooden pews are practical and fairly comfortable. The church has a replica of the Pieta and carved Stations of the Cross.
The second floor can be accessed by a spiral staircase, with little space upstairs for a choir.
This free entry place of reflection is worth a visit after a visit to Goree Island slavery quarters"

Toni Thompson

"The main church that was the center of the faith of this island back when slaves were being kept and shipped out from here."

C Neon

"Very pretty church on an island of sad memories. Hard to think that it was built with slavery surrounding it."

Christopher Doty

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Free entry
Tasteful interior

What People Dislike

No candle lighting
Limited choir loft space

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Charles Borromeo Church is located on Goree Island. Access to Goree Island is typically by ferry from Dakar. Once on the island, the church is a short walk from the ferry terminal. :ferry:

As St. Charles Borromeo Church is on Goree Island, there is no vehicle access or parking directly at the church. Visitors will need to park in Dakar and take the ferry. :car: :ferry:

Many visitors explore Goree Island on foot. The church is centrally located and easily accessible as part of your island exploration. :walking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the entrance to St. Charles Borromeo Church is free. It is an open place of reflection for all visitors. :ticket:

The church is open all day, providing ample opportunity for visitors to experience its peaceful atmosphere. :clock:

Yes, St. Charles Borromeo Church is an active place of worship. While specific mass schedules can vary, it's advisable to check locally or inquire upon arrival if you wish to attend a service. :pray:

Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's important to be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors. Avoid flash photography during mass. :camerawithflash:

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

While specific architectural details are not widely publicized, the church is described as beautiful and old, with a simple yet impactful interior. Some sources mention Romanesque-style influences for churches of this era. :building_construction:

The church offers a peaceful space for reflection. However, it does not have an option to light candles for praise or prayer. Restroom facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly. :toilet:

The church was a center of faith on Goree Island during the era of slavery. It stands as a testament to resilience and faith amidst a history of profound sadness. :history:

The main sanctuary is accessible, but the second floor, where the choir loft is located, can only be reached by a spiral staircase, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues. :wheelchair:

These religious artworks offer visitors a space for contemplation and devotion, deepening the spiritual experience within the church. :statue:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Goree Island has several restaurants and cafes offering local Senegalese cuisine. You can find dining options near the ferry terminal and around the island. :forkandknife:

It is generally advised not to consume food or drinks inside places of worship to maintain their sanctity. Please be mindful of this when visiting. :water_bottle:

📸 📸 Photography

The altar area, the Stations of the Cross, and the unique spiral staircase offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the serene ambiance of the interior. :camera:

Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas and over religious sites. It's best to avoid drone photography near the church and on Goree Island. :noentrysign:

Daytime, when natural light filters through the windows, is ideal for photography. Consider visiting during non-service hours for fewer distractions. :sunrise:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Charles Borromeo Church offers a quiet space for families to pause and reflect. While there are no specific child-focused activities, the peaceful atmosphere can be a good opportunity to teach children about different places of worship and the importance of quiet contemplation. The Stations of the Cross might offer visual elements for older children to engage with. Remember to keep voices low and encourage respectful behavior. TikTok mentions children at a mass, highlighting the church's role in community life.

🕊️ Spiritual Seekers & History Buffs

For those seeking a spiritual respite or a deeper understanding of Goree Island's complex history, St. Charles Borromeo Church is a must-visit. Its role as a place of worship during the era of slavery provides a unique historical lens. The church's serene interior offers a space for personal reflection on faith, resilience, and the human condition. Reddit emphasizes its significance as a 'center of the faith of this island back when slaves were being kept and shipped out from here.'

📸 Photographers

The church's interior, with its tasteful altar, side chapels, and the unique spiral staircase, presents interesting photographic opportunities. Capture the play of light through the windows and the devotional art. Remember to be discreet and avoid flash photography during services. TikTok showcases aerial views of Dakar's cathedrals, hinting at the visual appeal of religious architecture in the region.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Context of St. Charles Borromeo Church

St. Charles Borromeo Church, built in 1833, holds a significant place in the history of Goree Island. Its construction occurred during a period when the island was a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade. The church served as a spiritual center for the European colonizers and a symbol of their presence, existing amidst the profound suffering of enslaved people. This juxtaposition of faith and the brutal realities of slavery makes a visit to the church a poignant experience, prompting reflection on the complex history of the island. Pope Benedict XVI visited the church, underscoring its historical and spiritual importance. Reddit

Despite the somber history surrounding its creation, the church remains an active place of worship today. Visitors often describe it as a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary, offering a moment of quiet contemplation. The interior features a tasteful altar, side altars, a replica of the Pieta, and carved Stations of the Cross, all contributing to its serene atmosphere. The presence of a spiral staircase leading to a choir loft adds a unique architectural element. Reddit

While the church itself is a place of solace, its location on Goree Island means it is intrinsically linked to the island's past. The stark contrast between the church's peaceful interior and the historical weight of the House of Slaves and other sites on the island is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both devotion and cruelty. Visiting St. Charles Borromeo Church is not just about appreciating its architecture, but also about engaging with the layered history of Goree Island and its enduring legacy.

Experiencing the Interior of St. Charles Borromeo Church

Upon entering St. Charles Borromeo Church, visitors are often struck by its tasteful simplicity and peaceful ambiance. The main sanctuary features a central altar, flanked by side altars, one of which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. These elements create a focal point for prayer and reflection. The wooden pews are noted for their practicality and relative comfort, providing a place to sit and absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Reddit

Adding to the devotional experience are a replica of the Pieta and intricately carved Stations of the Cross. These artistic elements invite visitors to meditate on the passion of Christ and find solace in their faith. A unique feature of the church is the spiral staircase that leads to the second-floor choir loft. While this offers a different vantage point, the space upstairs is noted as being quite limited. Reddit

It's important for visitors to note that while the church is a place for prayer and gratitude, it does not offer the option to light candles. This is a detail that some visitors have pointed out. Nevertheless, the overall experience is described as deeply peaceful and highly recommended for anyone visiting Goree Island, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the island's profound historical narrative. Reddit

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