City Hall and Grand Parade

Photo courtesy Ramon Arellano

Victorian-era influence
Cape Town’s City Hall was built at the turn of the 20th century in Italian Renaissance style, and is one of the last Victorian-style sandstone structures in the Mother City. Despite showing its age, Cape Town’s iconic City Hall continues to be sought out by visitors to the city.

Big Ben’s younger brother
Upon entering, beautiful mosaic floors lead to a marble staircase, which guides visitors upwards to vintage stained glass and a 3 165-pipe organ. Its classical, Darling Street facade, and an impressive half-size replica of London’s Big Ben, are also a source of fascination to tourists – especially Londoners!

Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
Today the City Hall is home to the world-renowned Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nelson Mandela speaks at the Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is the city’s oldest “town square”, and forms part of Cape Town’s “old town”. It was here that more than 250 000 South Africans gathered in 1990 to welcome Nelson Mandela on his historic release from prison.

Modern flea market
Today Cape Town’s Grand Parade is best known locally for its popular flea market, but in its heyday it was the scene of many military and political gatherings.

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