The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town
Built between 1666 and 1679 as a stop-over for ships sailing the Spice Route, the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is considered the oldest colonial building in South Africa…
The Castle of Good Hope in its pentagonal shape was originally located on the coastline of Table Bay. Built by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) it served as a replenishment station for ships passing by Cape Town. The five bastions of the star fort are named Leerdam to the west, and clockwise from it are Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau and Oranje.
Boasting with the oldest bell in South Africa that is situated over the main entrance, The Castle of Good Hope’s bell tower was built in 1684. The 300kg bell was imported from Amsterdam and used to announce time, warn citizens of danger, call together residents or soldiers for important announcements and could be heard a staggering 10km away.
The original fortress was geared with cells (which were also used during the Second Boer War between 1899-1902 when part of the castle was also used as a prison). Apart from the military function, the Castle of Good Hope also had luxurious living quarters, shops, workshops and even a small church and bakery to name a few. The De Kat Balcony located at the inner courtyard was built in 1695 and now leads to the William Fehr collection of paintings and antique furniture.
The Castle of Good Hope was declared a national monument in 1936 and following further restorations during the 1980’s, the Castle Military Museum and Iziko Museums of Cape Town is now housed in the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town.
Where to go:
C/O Darling and Buitenkant Streets, Cape Town
When to go:
Open Monday-Sunday
(closed to public only on Christmas Day and New Year)
No guided tours on Sundays
Gates open daily at 09h00, last entry at 15h30 and closes at 16h00
The Key Ceremony is from Monday-Friday at 10h00 and 12h00Firing of Signal Cannon from Monday-Friday at 10h10 and 12h10 and Saturdays at 11h00 and 12h00
What to expect:
Entrance Fee
Adults R28
Pensioners (SA card holders only) R15
Children/Students (5-16yrs) R12
Booked School Groups R5
South African National Monument
Oldest Colonial Building in South Africa
Oldest Bell in South Africa
William Fehr Collection of Paintings