Cape Town Central

Mother city of South Africa situated between Table Mountain and Table Bay. It develops from a settlement established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 and became a municipality in 1839. Originally referred to as Cabo de Goede Hoop. A shortened form Cabo or De Caab came to be used. In the 18th century itv was known as Het Vlek van de Caab (hamlet of the Cape) The names Cape Town and Kaapstad were applied about middle 18th century. The Khoikhoi name ‘huigais’, meaning ‘stone place’ was first applied to the Castle but was subsequently extended to include Cape Town. The Afrikaans form Kaapstad has also been approved and enjoys the same status as Cape Town.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

Flat top mountain 1 113m above sea level, at the foot of which Cape town is situated. Between Devil’s Peak in the south-east and Lion’s Head on the north-west.’ It was named Taboa do Cabo by the Portuguese admiral. Antonio de Saldanha in 1503. Taboa de Cabo means ‘table of the cape’ or ‘table of the head’, The name appears as ‘’Ye Table’ about 1613. Proclaimed a National Monument in 1957 and on 8 February 1968

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope – cnr Castle and Buitenkant st - the site was selected in October 1665. It was built in accordance with the principles of the old Netherlands defence system. It was to be a pentagonal fortification with bastions at each corner. The engineer was Pieter Dombaer. Four cornerstones were laid by Governor Zacharias Wagenaar and others on 2 January 1667. It was first occupied by 1674, although it was only completed on 26 April 1679. The five bastions were named after the titles of the Prince of Orange’ namely Buren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, Orange and Leerdam. The original bell cast in Amsterdam in 1697 still hangs in the bell-tower. Declared a National monument 17 April 1936.

City Hall

City Hall, cnr Darling, parade and Corporation st – The cornerstone was laid on 29 August 1900 by Thomas Ball, mayor of Cape Town. It was designed by HA Rein & FG Green. Built by T Howard & JG Scott.The building was completed in 1905. The first council meeting held here was on 27 July 1905. The open area in front was the old parade. Declared a National monument on 31 August 1962.

The Lutheran Church

The Lutheran Church, Strand St – Built by Martin Melck in 1774 disguised as a storehouse. Changes were made by Anton Anreith between 1787 and 1792. It was rebuilt in 1818 owing to poor condition. At this time the spire was built. Declared a National Monument on 29 April 1948.

Malay Quarter

Malay Quarter – also known as the Bo-Kaap, beyond Buitengracht St on slopes of Signal Hill – The first houses were built in circa 1790. In 1781 the French in alliance to The Netherlands came to the Cape together with artisans went to live here. Many Malays came to the Cape as slaves and were freed and became artisans. Slavery was abolished in the 1830’s. Their foundation was their religion – Islam. Now well maintained and colourful. The area was declared a National Monument on 15 April 1966.