Castle of Good HopeSouth Africa's oldest building, the Castle was completed in 1679
(replacing an earlier mud and timber fort built by the first Dutch
Governor, Jan van Riebeeck). Situated adjacent to a parking lot and
bus station in Buitenkant Street, its walls mark the original
boundary of the seashore where the waves washed up against the
fortifications. Its outside aspect is somewhat foreboding, but
inside are some interesting features and collections that have been
restored, offering a good insight into the early days of the Cape
when it was the centre of social and economic life. The castle is a
pentagonal fortification with a moat and five bastions, each named
for one of the titles of the Prince of Orange. The entrance is a
good example of 17th century Dutch Classicism, and a bell, cast in
1679 by Claude Fremy in Amsterdam, still hangs from the original
wood beams in the tower above the entrance. The castle contains a
Military Museum depicting the conflicts that arose during the
Cape's early s
Address: Buitenkant Street, opposite the Grand Parade
Website: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za
Telephone: 021 787 1260
Opening Time: Daily 9am to 4pm, with tours at 11am, 12pm and 2pm
from Monday to Saturday. Self guided tours are possible with the
aid of a map, provided by the Castle
Admission: R25 (adults), R10 (children); half-price on Sundays.
Concessions available |
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