Paarl Rock
Driving down Du ToitsKloof Mountain Pass from Worcester to Paarl, one is met by the incredible sight of the Paarl Valley. The magnificent backdrop is Paarl Rock.
In 1657 Abraham Gabemma set out inland from Cape Town to search for new meat resources. It was after a rainstorm when he saw a mountain in the distance, with a giant granite rock which glistened like a wet pearl in the sun. He named the mountain “Peerleberg” (Pearl Mountain), which later became Paarl Mountain and the town that evolved at its base was named Paarl.
Taal Monument
The Taal monument, on Paarl rock, is one of the most famous Afrikaans monuments erected in South Africa and dedicated to the Afrikaans language. It was designed by the architect Jan van Wijk and inaugurated in 1975. The ultra modern monument is shaped in several tall obelisks style columns erected on the granite of Paarl Rock. The monument, atop Paarl Rock, is visible from a great distance as one approaches Paarl.
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Next to the historic Afrikaans Taal Monument, the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is a truly stunning 2000-hectare retreat, with hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and winelands. Take a drive through the reserve – you won’t be disappointed! If you are interested in rock climbing, the Paarl Rock in the reserve is a favourite spot.
What a View!
Today many people visit Paarl Rock to experience the incredible view. On a clear day one can see Table Mountain! The Paarl Valley with the Drakenstein Mountains are clearly visible as is the Wamakers Valley towards Wellington.
Indigenous Flora
Adjoining the nature reserve, finely situated on the slopes of the hill, is the small Meulwater Wild Flower Reserve, with some 200 species of indigenous plants. It is particularly beautiful in late spring, when the flower display is at its best.
The Ship’s Canon
Paarl Rock also has its place in history. There is an old ship’s cannon which was one of several used to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay harbour, and to summon men to defend the Cape settlement.
This particular cannon was stationed on a lookout point on the western side of Paarl Mountain. Some time after the Battle of Blaauwberg (1806) the cannon was removed by a certain Mr C Voigt, and dragged with a team of oxen to its present position on Paarl Rock.
It was fired to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and again on 11 May 1909 when legislation was passed that would allow South Africa to become a Union. General de Wet was present at the time. Such was the mood of the country at the time that he apparently said:
As daar enige van Suid-Afrika se vyande teenwoordig is, maak hulle dan voor hierdie historiese kanon staan en ek sal hulle aan stukkies blaas.
The last time the cannon was fired was in 1987 during Paarl’s 300 year celebrations.
Paarl Mountain has three prominent granite outcrops: Paarl Rock, Bretagne Rock and Gordons Rock. On the eastern slope of Paarl Mountain two rock formations dominate: Paarl Rock and Gladdeklip or Bosmanskop.
In 1938 the mountain was declared a commonage for Paarl residents to graze cattle; in 1963 the commonage was declared a national monument; in 1970 ownership was tranferred to the local municipality and in 1979 declared a nature reserve.
Thanks to:History Webs
www.cape-town.info
www.capetowntravelguide.com