Rhodes Memorial

Rhodes Memorial: Designed by Sir Herbert Baker,. Photo courtesy Sharon Schneider

The imposing Rhodes Memorial, which sits at the foot of Devil’s Peak in the Table Mountain National Park, offers visitors spectacular views towards the Hottentots Holland mountains.

The magnificent vistas over Cape Town, coupled with the historical importance and interest of the memorial, make this a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

The memorial, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was built in 1912 to honour former Cape Colony prime minister and mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. The site was chosen as it was Rhodes’s favourite viewing site.

The memorial was built in recognition of Rhodes’s contribution to Cape Town and the colony. The funders spared no cost in ensuring that it was an appropriate tribute to his contribution to South Africa.

Built from Cape granite quarried on Table Mountain, the memorial consists of 49 steps – one for each year of Rhodes’s life. The Doric columns were inspired by Rhodes’s appreciation of classical architecture and the eight lions were modelled on those at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London, England.

A bronze bust of Rhodes rests on a pedestal featuring a poem written by his close friend, Rudyard Kipling; and the statue of Energy at the base of the steps was commissioned as a tribute to his drive and determination.

The memorial affords visitors views to the north-east of Cape Town. Directly behind the memorial, on an elevated terrace, you will find the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00. It serves al fresco meals daily, ranging from lovely salads to baguettes, platters and fresh fish. It is also renowned for its fresh cakes and desserts, created on the premises. Enjoy splendid views from the sun terrace in summer and a log fire in winter.

The memorial is open to the public in winter (May to September) from 08h00 to 18h00, and in summer (October to April) from 07h30 to 19h00. Entry is free.