St George’s Cathedral and Groote Kerk

St George's Cathedral, Cape Town. Photo courtesy Danie van der Merwe

More fondly known as “the people’s cathedral”, St George’s Cathedral in Wale Street represents the Anglican diocese mother church in Cape Town. It earned its nickname when it welcomed all races during the apartheid era, despite segregation laws.

The cathedral showcases Victorian-era design, complete with stained glass windows and a crypt.

Apart from visiting the impressive cathedral, you can take a meditative walk through the St George’s Cathedral’s labyrinth.

The Groote Kerk was the first Christian place of worship to be erected in the Cape, following the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. However, due to numerous delays, the building’s cornerstone was only laid in 1700. It is the mother church of the Dutch Reformed Church in Cape Town.

Two decades later the church lost its crossways design, when it was enlarged to form a rectangular structure that could accommodate more worshippers.

The church’s organ was commissioned in 1953 to replace two earlier organs. It features 5 917 pipes, made from copper, tin, wood and a tin-lead alloy.

Today the Groote Kerk boasts an active family worship congregation affiliated to the NG Gemeente Kaapstad, and a community outreach programme, Hartklop, which focuses on students and young working people.

Services take place at 10h00 and 19h00 and have a strong emphasis on developing the faith of young people.

Walking in Cape Town

Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.

Castle Military Museum

The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.

The Castle Military Museum 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. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.

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.

Art galleries in Cape Town

More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.

Reviews

Be the first to review this provider.

Add your review

This is to determine that you are human and not a spam bot
 
 

Wed: 12°C / 18°C

Currently: 18°C (13:59)

 
×