University of Cape Town
Photo courtesy Danie van der Merwe
Take in the stunning architecture that typifies South Africa’s oldest university.
The University of Cape Town – known throughout South Africa as “UCT” – is South Africa’s oldest university, founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys.
It is one of Africa’s most prestigious universities, and is situated in beautiful old buildings high on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, with impressive views out over the Cape Flats, towards Somerset West and Stellenbosch.
The university has six faculties – Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science.
At the main campus visitors can sit on “Jammie steps”, the popular student hangout outside Jameson Hall, to soak up student life, or enjoy a walk around the campus overlooking Rondebosch and Newlands.
You can also access the pedestrian path to the Rhodes Memorial, which offers striking views of Cape Town, and pop in to the restaurant for a welcome cuppa and home-made treats.
The Hiddingh Campus in the city houses the Drama and Fine Arts departments, including the Michaelis Gallery (+ 27 (0)21 480 7170), which exhibits local and international art. At the end of each academic year, fourth-year student art is displayed and the event is a highlight of the local art scene.
Among UCT’s more than 100 000 alumni are the late Professor Christiaan Barnard, the world-renowned heart surgeon, and three Nobel laureates: Sir Aaron Klug, the late Professor Alan MacLeod Cormack and JM Coetzee.
Contact the university for more information on foreign students, short courses and lecturing positions. Contact Cape Town Tourism for more information on educational tourism.
The Groote Schuur Campus, which is built on land that was donated by mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes, is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak. Photo courtesy of MySkyGarden
Smuts Hall is a male student residence at the university. Photo courtesy of DanieVDM
'I could never accept the position that we should disqualify a human being on account of his colour.' – Cecil John Rhodes. Photo courtesy of DanieVDM
- Phone: +27 21 650 9111
- Website: http://www.uct.ac.za
Steenberg Vineyards
If you are looking for a place where you can taste the Cape’s finest wines, dine in one of two modern restaurants and still have a plethora of things to do, then the Steenberg Vineyards are for you.
Cape Town Diamond Museum
Diamonds were formed three billion years ago by molecular-changing heat of around 1 300 °C, deep within the Earth’s crust. If you didn’t know that, then you have not been to the Cape Town Diamond Museum.
Castle Military Museum
The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope. It is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape.
South African Rugby Museum
Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.
Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town
As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.
Reviews
Be the first to review this provider.
Add your review
