Castle Of Good Hope

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Overview

c/o Darling & Castle Street, Cape Town Central, Cape Town

phone: view phone+27 21 787-1249

fax: view fax+27 21 787-1089

website: http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za

e-mail: send an e-mail

Description

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan Van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. On 26 April 1679 the five bastions were named after the main titles of Willem, the Prince of Orange. The western bastion was named Leerdam, followed in clockwise order by Buuren, Catzenellenbogen, Nassau and Oranje. In 1936 the Castle was declared a National Monument. As a result of an extensive, ongoing restoration programme launched in the 1980's, the Castle of Good Hope remains the best preserved fortification of its kind built by the VOC in regions where it had interests. The Castle of Good Hope was the regional headquarters of the South African Army in the Western Cape, and houses the famous William Fehr Collection of historic artworks, the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for traditional Cape Regiments. ENTRANCE & BELL The main entrance of the Castle bears the emblems of the VOC which ruled the Cape for nearly one and a half centuries. This entrance is a unique example of 17th century Dutch classicism. The bell, cast in 1697 by Claude Fremy in Amsterdam, still hangs in the tower from its original wooden beams. CASTLE MILITARY MUSEUM The museum depicts the military history of the Cape, the Castle and Cape Regiments. WILLIAM FEHR COLLECTION This collection consists of artworks reflecting many aspects of cultural life at the Cape from the early VOC days until the middle of the 19th century. Exhibitions of a contemporary nature are occasionally presented. TRADITIONAL MILITARY CEREMONIES Daily performances of ceremonies echo traditions of earlier years. MOAT Sections of the moat, once a part of the Castle's system of defence, were rebuilt during recent restoration. THE CASTLE FORGE The Castle Forge is located in the earliest blacksmith workshop in South Africa. The Forge was initially built for the upkeep and maintenance of the Castle's hardware and steel goods. DE GOEWERNEUR RESTAURANT Home of South African cuisine. Enjoy freshly baked scones and sample a selection of typically South African dishes, with a beautiful view of Table Mountain as your background. HET BAKHUYS & DOLPHIN POOL During the restoration of the inner courtyard, the foundations of the early 18th century bakery and pool were discovered. The building, currently known as Het Bakhuys (‘t Bakhuijs), has been reconstructed on these foundations. Het Bakhuys also caters for functions and conferences. PUBLIC TOURS Guided tours of the Castle are conducted daily by professional tour guides. The Castle is uniquely equipped to provide tours for the physically challenged. GENERAL INFORMATION Opening times: 09h00 to 16h00 Mondays to Sundays Public tours: 11h00, 12h00, and 14h00 daily Self guide maps available in English, Afrikaans, Spanish German, Dutch, French and Italian.