Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences on South Africa’s unique history.
Oldest building – The Castle of Good Hope, erected between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, is the oldest building in South Africa. The castle is a blend of medieval and 17th-century architecture designed in the pentagonal style.
Cape Dutch influence – The Cape Winelands are famous for the Cape Dutch architecture dotting the landscape. The buildings were influenced by Dutch farmers who settled in the area during the 1700s. Groot Constantia, a superb example of Cape Dutch architecture that has been converted to a museum, is located on a working wine farm.
Robben Island – Just off the coast lies Robben Island, home to the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during South Africa’s apartheid era. Today Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum and a constant reminder to a democratic South Africa of the price paid for its people’s freedom. Ferries run several times daily from the V&A Waterfront to the island, where prison tours are conducted.
Cape Town central – Downtown Cape Town is home to dozens of beautiful old buildings, which are best enjoyed by taking a walking tour.
City Hall – Cape Town’s city hall, in the heart of the city, is a neo-classical building designed in Renaissance style.
Rhodes Memorial – Rhodes Memorial is a national monument constructed in memory of Cecil John Rhodes, a former South African politician.
Cape Point Lighthouse – In 1488 Bartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, was the first to sail around the Cape at the tip of the African continent.
Houses of Parliament – It is from the Houses of Parliament that the president gives his State of the Nation address, after the opening of Parliament – a colourful spectacle for visitors.
Bo-Kaap Museum – The oldest original homestead in the colourful Bo-Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter) today houses the Bo-Kaap Museum.
The Slave Lodge – One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, the slave lodge was constructed in 1679 to house the slaves of the Dutch East India Company.
Other historical buildings worth visiting include: Bertram House, South Africa Jewish Museum, South Africa National Gallery, Gold of Africa Museum