Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the Western Area of the country, it has and area about 81.48 km². Freetown is Sierra Leone’s major urban, economic, financial, cultural, educational and political Centre, as it is the seat of the Government of Sierra Leone. The population of Freetown was 1,055,964 at the 2015 census.

The city’s economy revolves largely around its harbor, which occupies a part of the estuary of the Sierra Leone River in one of the world’s largest natural deep water harbors.

The population of Freetown is ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse. The city is home to a significant population of all of Sierra Leone’s ethnic groups, with no single ethnic group forming more than 27% of the city’s population. As in virtually all parts of Sierra Leone, the Krio language is Freetown’s primary language of communication and is by far the most widely spoken language in the city.

The city of Freetown was founded by abolitionist Lieutenant John Clarkson on March 11, 1792 as a settlement for freed African American, West Indian and Liberated African slaves. Their descendants are known as the Creole people. The local Temne and Loko people were living in villages in the land that became known as Freetown before the European arrival.

Explore Freetown by visiting historic sites like the Old Fourahbay

College, Fort Thorton –
now state house. Stop @ Peace and cultural monument, the famous Cotton tree,
National Museum, Law court, St Georges Cathedral, Big market, Old Kings Gate
and Maroon Church.

Morning (8:30 – 12:30 LT) 

Afternoon (13:30 – 17:30 LT)

Famous Cotton Tree.
This proud landmark holds great significance to the freed slaves that settled
in this country.

National Museum ( 1958) for a
tour on Sierra Leone’s history and culture. A wonderful display of our various
ethnic artefacts can be seen.

 Fort Thornton  (1805) now known as State House; the office of the Governor during the years of colonial Administration.

Martello Tower (1805) A
replica of the towers in  the south of England during the Napoleonic war.

Maroon Church (1808) the
oldest church in Freetown built by former Jamaican Slaves in 1808. 

Big Market – arts and craft market; masks, batiks, beaded necklaces etc. This market is a treasure trove for souvenir buyers. Be warned! Bargaining is the name of the game.

Old Fourah bay College (1827) the 1st university in Sub – Sahara Africa which was the citadel of learning that won Sierra Leone the reputation “the Athens of Africa”.

Railway Museum (1896) displays an array of 2ft 6in gauge trains that were commuting the 277 miles railway from Freetown to Pendembu.