Photo: Annette White, via the National Tourist Board
Old Wharf Steps
Monument · Wallace Johnson Street, central Freetown
Governor Charles MacCarthy had the government wharf rebuilt in stone and ordered this broad flight of steps, completed in 1818, with a guard house added at the top in 1819. The steps run from Wallace Johnson Street (formerly Water Street) down to the landing stage.
They are often called the 'Portuguese Steps', though they were built long after the Portuguese left this coast. The tourism board says they are also known as the 'Freedom Steps'. They were proclaimed a national monument in 1953.
Opening hours
- Days open
- Varies - confirm locally
- Hours
- 09:00 - 17:00
Note: Generally open 9 AM to 5 PM - confirm locally
Entry fees
Fees are not confirmed. Check locally before you travel.
Photos
- Photo: Annette White, via the National Tourist Board (Published with permission (owner attestation 2026-09-27))
Sources
Information on this page is paraphrased from the following public sources.