Search for Accommodation...
Historical Sites in Cape Town
Robben Island
| Address: |
V & A Waterfront |
| Website: |
www.waterfront.co.za |
| Tel: |
+27 (0)21 408 7600 |
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.
Now Robben Island has come to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
Take a boat trip to this historical Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years in the now famous cell number 46664 – and enjoy a guided, highly educational and fascinating tour of the prison and surrounds.
Townships
Discover the multicultural side of Cape Town and interact with the locals. Be inspired by their spirit, ingenuity and dynamism – striving to build a better future for all.
A visit to one of the many townships surrounding the city is an experience that will open your eyes to the way in which the biggest portion of Cape Town's population are living. Despite difficult circumstances and poor living conditions, you will experience the vibrancy and spirit of the South African people.
Take a township tour of Langa, the oldest township in SA, or Khayelitsha, the second largest township in SA. Township tours are usually co-led by a resident in the area, showcase local industry and community projects and include a visit to a township bar or “shebeen”.
Most township tours also include a historical drive around Bo-Kaap (see below) and District 6, where the first non-whites were evicted from their land and displaced into the townships.
Bo-Kaap
Enjoy a relaxing day with a guided tour of the famous Malay Quarter of Cape Town with its colourful houses and rich history. Walk the streets with a local who will give you all the low-down on what's up and even take you to a resident’s home for lunch.
The Castle of Good Hope
| Address: |
C/O Darling and Buitenkant Streets, Cape Town, 8001 |
| Website: |
www.castleofgoodhope.co.za |
| Tel: |
+27 21 787 1260 |
One Cape Town’s most historic buildings, the “Fort de Goede Hoop” dates back to 1652 when the Dutch merchant Jan van Riebeek landed in Table Bay and on instruction of the Dutch East India Trading Company erected a fort which could be used to stock provisions for ships. The construction of the pentagon shaped stone building started in 1666 and took about 30 years to complete. The stone blocks that were used were brought in from Holland. It is the oldest stone building in South Africa.
Today the Castle forms the military headquarters for the Cape Province and houses the museum of the William Fehr Collection. The Key Ceremony takes place on weekdays at 10 am and the Change of Guards at 12 o'clock.
Museums
There are plenty of museums to cater for all tastes, but our top 4 favourites are:
The South African Museum
| Address |
25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens
|
| Tel: |
+27 (0)21 481 3800 |
This museum houses inspired exhibitions and collections which will give you a better understanding of the earth and its biological and cultural diversity, past and present. You will also find the Planetarium next door – it is a celestial theatre which recreates the night sky and transports you through the wonders of the universe.
The South African National Gallery
| Address |
Government Avenue, Gardens
|
| Tel: |
+27 (0)21 467 4660
|
It houses outstanding collections of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. Selections from the Permanent Collection change regularly to enable the museum to have a full programme of temporary exhibitions of paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, bead work, textiles and architecture.
The Gold of Africa Museum
| Address |
Martin Melck House, 96 Strand Street, Cape Town |
| Tel: |
+27 (0)21 405 1540
|
This is a very interesting stop and houses one of the largest and most beautiful collections of African artefacts, the Barbier Mueller collection. It beautifully presents the gold treasures of Africa to show artistry of ancient African civilizations as well as the ritual and power of African gold.
District Six Museum
| Address |
25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town |
| Tel: |
+27 (0)21 461 8745
|
Originally established as a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and migrants District Six was a vibrant centre with close links to the city and the port. In 1966 during the Apartheid regime, the area was declared a white area under the Group Areas Act, and by 1982 the life of the community was over and over 60 000 people were forcibly removed from the area and their houses flattened by bulldozers. The District Six Museum, established in 1994, serves as a memory to this area and the people who lost their homes, livelihood and social networks.
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Coon Carnival) is Cape Town’s major New Year Event, which lasts the whole month. It has its origins in the late 18th century when the slaves were allowed their one day off on January 1st. It is the city’s biggest and most raucous event of the year with over ten thousand costumed dancers and musicians and a month of parades, marches and street festivals.
Other Places of Historical Interest
Being the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town has an abundance of historical places and monuments. As well as those mentioned above, below are a few others which are worth a visit.
Company Gardens
These gardens were originally established in 1652 by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to supply passing ships with fruit and vegetables. They now contain a variety of trees and plants and provide a perfect spot for a bit of relaxation. You can stroll down Government Avenue which runs through the Gardens taking you to The South African Museum and National Gallery.
Groot Constantia
This is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, originally granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685. As well as being a magnificent example of Cape Dutch Architecture, it houses a wine museum and has wine tasting and restaurants where one can enjoy some traditional Cape cuisine.
Slave Lodge
This is the second oldest building in Cape Town. Initially serving as a lodge for slaves of the Dutch East India Company it then went on to be used as a post office, library and Supreme Court. Today it houses a collection of ceramics, toys, sliver and textiles.
Rhodes Memorial
A bit more recent, Rhodes Memorial was built in 1912 by Sir Herbert Baker in memory of Cecil John Rhodes. It lies on the slopes of Devils Peaks and has fantastic views over the Southern Suburbs and Cape Flats. There is a restaurant and tea garden, a great spot for a relaxed lunch, with delicious food.