CULTURE AND HERITAGE

A dozen cultures. Eleven official languages. But who’s counting?

Cape Town is the place where South Africa’s original inhabitants (the Khoisan) first lived and where colonising Europeans first settled. As such, its history is a fascinating one, marked by maritime trade, cultural mixing, oppression and hope - and the site of both Nelson Mandela’s incarceration and release.

Indeed, the Cape of Good Hope, as named by Portuguese seafarers in the 16th Century, is the fulcrum of all that is both positive and problematic in modern-day South Africa. By experiencing the wealth of cultural attractions and heritage sites it has to offer, one can truly begin to get under the skin of our fascinating city. So if the beaches and bistros are becoming a bit much, get better acquainted with the history of the Cape ... and the characters of Cape Town.

 

CAPE TOWN CENTRAL

For a concentrated dose of history and culture, head for the Museum Meander, which takes you around the City Centre and includes many of the museums grouped under the umbrella of the Iziko Museums of Cape Town.

You could start at the William Fehr Collection housed in Rust en Vreugd Tel: +27 (0)21 464 3280, then visit the Castle of Good Hope Tel: + 27 (0)21 787 1249, which also houses the Castle Military Museum, depicting the military history of the Cape, the Castle and the Cape regiments Tel: + 27 (0)21 787 1153, head for the Michaelis Collection in the Old Town House, a rococo building that dates back to 1755 was once the City Hall Tel: + 27 (0)21 481 3933.

Then wander from the top of Adderley Street up through Government Avenue and the Company Gardens. This takes you to the South African Slave Lodge Tel: + 27 (0)21 460 8200 and, nearby the Slave Tree, the National Library of South Africa Tel: + 27 (0)21 424 6320, South African Museum Tel: + 27 (0)21 481 3800 and Planetarium, Tel: + 27 (0)21 481 3900, South African National Gallery Tel: + 27 (0)21 467 4660 and Bertram House Tel: + 27 (0) 21 424 9381.

The South African Jewish Museum Tel: + 27 (0)21 465 1546 and Cape Town Holocaust centre Tel: + 27 (0)21 462 5553 make fascinating additions to the local museum scene. The centre is closed on Saturdays but open on Sundays.

Close by in Queen Victoria Street is the Centre for the Book Tel: + 27 (0)21 423 2669, Cape Town’s most distinguished Edwardian building with its wonderful domed central reading room that houses all contemporary South African publications. Koopmans de Wet House in Strand Street is worth a browse for the porcelain exhibition and fine antique furniture Tel: + 27 (0)21 481 3935.

On Long Street you'll find both the Palm Tree Mosque, one of Cape Town's oldest, and the Old Slave Church. Built in 1804, today the church is a museum celebrating the history of Christian missionary work in South Africa Tel +27 (0)21 423 6755.

If you are looking for something a little more specialised, try Gerald Shap’s Camera Museum in Long Street Tel: +27 (0)21 423 4150 or the Gold of Africa Museum in the historic Martin Melck Huis at the top of Strand Street, where you can view the largest collection of African gold artefacts and enjoy the working studios, gold boutique, wine cellar and art garden Tel: + 27 (0)21 405 1540. The Gold Restaurant is a wonderful dining experience of Pan African cuisine, puppet theatre and interactive drumming.

The City Centre on foot is an amazing cultural experience. You can book a walking tour of the City Centre with one of the registered walking guides at the Cape Town City Centre Visitor Information Centre, walking tours depart at regular intervals. You can always opt for the Cape Town Citysightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour that will take in many of the above sights Tel: + 27 (0)21 487 6800.

Buy your tickets at Cape Town Tourism and hop on outside the Visitor Information Centre. It is a great way to orientate yourself and see as much as possible of Cape Town in one day.

A key historical site in the city centre is De Tuynhuys, the office of the Presi­dent. Formerly a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries during Dutch rule, the office is closed to the general public, but tours can be arranged through the Parlia­ment Tel: +27 (0)21 464 2100.

The close-knit Muslim community of the City Bowl resides in an area known as the Bo-Kaap, which is well worth a visit. Take a guided tour, visit some of the colourful houses and cobbled streets, and enjoy the sight of children culturally dressed for Madrassa. Wherever you walk, the aroma of spices fills the air and the sound of the call to prayer, still done manually, reveal the his­tory of slavery and the incredible spirit of the descendents of the Indo-Asian slaves. The Bo-Kaap Museum, housed in an old Cape Dutch building, depicts the community’s history Tel: + 27 (0)21 481 3939.

In Bo-Kaap there are three Kramats, and on Signal Hill you will find two. Three prominent early Cape Muslim Imams lie in the Tana Baru burial grounds in the Bo-Kaap, and shrines have been erected to honour them.

Cape Town Tourism recommends a Cape Malay cooking safari. Call us for more information on +27 (0)21 487 6800.

The District Six Museum is a place of heritage and memory and offers the history of and dedication to the victims of forced removals during the Apartheid era Tel: + 27 (0)21 461 8745.

The Holy Cross School in District Six has a mural painted by the predominantly white students of the University of Cape Town during the forced removals. It depicts the agony and sadness of the Group Areas Act and stands today as a reminder of that dark time.

Near District Six, on Roeland Street, are the National Archives. Housed in a former prison, the archives provide fascinating insight into how Cape Town looked in days gone by. Entrance is free and archive photographs are repro­duced on site for a small fee Tel: +27 (0)21 466 8100.

Woodstock is one of Cape Town's oldest neighbourhoods. It has a colourful past and was home to groups of people from many different cultures. It has recently enjoyed an upsurge in property prices due to increased interest and rehabilitation of the area.

Robben Island Prison Museum is the disused prison on Robben (the Dutch word for 'seals') Island where former South African President Nelson Mandela and many other black political dissidents were held. For a whole generation of black South African prisoners, Robben Island Prison was an alternative political university and a shared experience. Today former political prisoners act as your guides at this World Heritage Site. There are daily ferry trips to Robben Island, weather permitting, leaving from the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront.  Allow half a day for your trip, and book in advance Tel: + 27 (0)21 413 4200. You can also book a Robben Island tour at any Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre or contact us on Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

The South African Maritime Museum at the V&A Waterfront (adjacent to the Dry Dock) features a history of local shipwrecks, maritime exhib­its and enough interactive displays to keep children amused for hours Tel: + 27 (0)21 405 2880. Also at the V&A Waterfront you’ll find the Shimansky Diamond Museum, where visitors are given the chance to walk through the history and impressive science behind this captivating stone Tel: +27 (21)421 2788. Located at the Clocktower Precinct of the V&A Waterfront is the Chavonnes Battery. Dating back to 1790, it was established to protect the Anchorage.  It was discovered in 1998 during excavation works Tel: + 27 (0)21 416 6230.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

The coastline, from Mouille Point to Llandudno, has a number of shipwrecks that have become popular dive sites. The SS Seafarer (1966) and the RMS Romelia (1977) are the more famous as these wrecks resulted in dramatic rescues and remained visible for a number of years.

The Green Point Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in South Africa, is part of the SA Lighthouse Experience and offers guided tours and information on the coast’s shipwrecks. It was at the Green Point Lighthouse that light-keeping was first taught to South Africans. It was declared a National Monument in 1973. To book a tour Tel: + 27 (0)21 449 2400.

The Cape Medical Museum is housed at the New Somerset Hospital – which was built by Governor Sir George Grey, who laid the foundation stone in 1859 Tel: + 27 (0)21 418 5663.

CAPE TOWN EAST

The Strandlopers (literally ‘beach combers’) were the only inhabitants of Table Bay and the surrounding areas when Jan van Riebeeck, an employee of the Dutch East India Company, landed at the Cape in 1652. Cape Town celebrated the 350th anniversary of this historical event in 2002.

Sample township culture in Khayelitsha (meaning ‘Our New Home’ in isiXhosa) with a local township tour, which includes local cuisine with local arts, crafts and music. To stay over at one of Cape Town Tourism’s assessed accommodation establishments, call us on +27 (0)82 454 7312.

This bustling suburb of Cape Town covers an area of about 47km2 and is home to about 1.5 million people. It is the fastest growing, and largest single township in South Africa, with a mix of formal and informal housing and developments. Local tour operators, B&Bs and other emerging tourism services offer visitors an amazing township experience Tel: + 27 (0)82 454 7312.

SOMERSET WEST

Modern-day Somerset West is a far cry from the tiny settlement it once was, but the town still has a historical air which adds to its character and charm. Built some 140 years ago, the Coachman’s Cottage in Victoria Road is the only cottage from the turn of the 19th Century still in its original form in Somerset West. It was restored in 1977 and declared a National Monument in 1979. The Lourens River Bridge, situated in Main Street is also a National Monument.

The Old Dutch Reformed Church, in Church Street, dates back to 1817. Die Ou Pastorie, now used as a guesthouse and restaurant, dates back to 1819. This establishment can be viewed by appointment only Tel: + 27 (0)21 852 2120. Sheik Yusuf Kramat is open at all times for viewing; just remember to take off your shoes before you enter. Contact Cape Mazaar Society Tel: +27 (0)21 705 1895.

Vergelegen is one of the Cape’s most historic landmarks. Visitors can admire the ancient Camphor trees (declared National Monuments in 1942) wander through the Octagonal and Rose Gardens and view the library. Built into the side of Rondekop Hill, Vergelegen the wine cellar also offers stunning views across False Bay to Table Mountain Tel: + 27 (0)21 847 1334. Lwandle Hostel Museum is the first township-based museum in the West­ern Cape and the first museum to commemorate migrancy in South Africa Tel: + 27 (0)21 845 6119.

KUILS RIVER

A private collection of Fabergé Eggs can be seen at the Marvol Russian Museum on the Hazendal Wine Estate, which dates back to 1699, Hazendal was purchased in 1994 by Dr Mark Voloshin (Chairman of the International Marvol Group), who restored this historic property back to its former glory, forging a fascinating blend of Cape Dutch and Russian cultures Tel: + 27 (0)21 903 5112.

Die Hoenderhok is an intimate and character-filled theatre set among tranquil vineyards and age-old oak trees Tel: +27 (0)21 906 4636.

CAPE TOWN NORTH

BLAAUWBERG

The Blaauwberg area was the setting for the battle that changed the course of South African history. The Battle of Blaauwberg marked the second occupation of the Cape by the British. A brochure on the battle is available from the Cape Town Tourism Blaauwberg Visitor Information Centre Tel: + 27 (0)21 521 1080.

The Mamre Moravian Mission Station, situated on the Old Darling Road just past Atlantis, is rich in historical value. Places of interest include the Mamre School, which is a national monument, the Long House, which is a stone house formerly used as a barracks by the Dutch East India Company, the Water Mill, Old Shop and Old Mamre Moravian Church.

Milnerton Lighthouse, located on Woodbridge Island, was built as a beacon for ships entering Cape Town harbour. The short stretch of coastline from Green Point to Milnerton has caused some 150 shipwrecks in the last few centuries – more than any other coastline in South Africa. There is a plaque commemorating the stranding of the Nieuw Haarlem.

The Post Office Stone is the earliest inscribed stone in South Africa. A replica can be viewed at the Cape Town Tourism Blaauwberg Visitor Centre located at 1 Marine Drive, Bloubergrant Tel: + 27 (0)21 521 1080.

The Airforce Museum located at the Ysterplaat Aerodrome off Koeberg Road, Milnerton, gives an interesting insight into the history of aviation Tel: + 27 (0)21 508 6576.

Langa was established in 1901 when inhabitants from the farm Uitvlugt were resettled in the belief that they posed a health threat, the city having just recovered from bubonic plague. Langa is the oldest township in Cape Town and its residents played an integral role in the struggle against Apartheid. The name literally means ‘sun’, but it is derived from Langalibalele, a Hlubi rebel imprisoned in Cape Town after rebelling against the Natal government. Cultural and historical tours are available and highly recommended.

Gugu s’Thebe Arts and Culture Centre, established in 1926, is a vibrant cultural centre that serves as a focal point for cultural enrichment. The Centre also houses a Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre as well as a digital business centre with an Internet café. Walking tours depart daily from the Centre and can be booked here Tel: + 27 (0)21 695 5098

The Woltemade statue was erected in honour of Wolraad Woltemade who saved 14 crew members of the De Jonge Thomas that ran aground in Table Bay in 1773. Both Woltemade and his horse died during this heroic attempt. The statue can be seen in the grounds of the Old Mutual, Pinelands.

TYGERBERG

The Mayibuye Centre at the University of the Western Cape in Bellville holds valuable historical material on the anti-Apartheid struggle and has regular exhibitions on the apartheid era Tel: + 27 (0)21 959 2954.

The Sanlam Art Gallery has a permanent collection of South African works Tel: + 27 (0)21 947 3165. For music lovers there is the Hugo Lambrechts Music Auditorium in Parow Tel: + 27 (0)21 939 9105.

Rust-en-Vrede dates back to the mid-1800s. This building originally served as a prison, before being used as a courthouse, a school and ultimately, a private residence. It was proclaimed a National Monument on 26 October 1987. The Rust-en-Vrede Gallery has a new exhibition each month, where art work by contemporary artists can be viewed. Mosaic classes are also offered on the premises Tel: + 27 (0)21 976 4691.

WEST COAST

While many visitors will learn about Khoisan history in South Africa, few will get the full picture. The San people continue to suffer discrimination, poverty, marginalisation and, most commonly, exploitation. Consequently, a tourism and training project that seeks to redress inequalities while educating both visitors and San descendants about San history was set up by the South African San Institute and the Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in South Africa.

The result is !Khwa ttu, set up with the co-operation of the Swiss charitable organisation UBUNTU. The project, based north of Cape Town on historical San land, involves the clearing of alien plants, the purchase of game, training, schooling and exhibitions. It all makes for a fascinating cultural experience that at once investigates secret histories and promotes a refreshing look at the future of South Africa's truly indigenous peoples. For bookings or information, call +27 (0)22 492 2998.

 

CAPE TOWN SOUTH

CAPE FLATS

Travelling west and south-west of Cape Town International Airport, visitors can experience the culturally rich and vibrant communities of the Cape Flats. The area is divided into a number of townships, suburbs and informal settlements. These communities have all faced extreme economic and political hardships but are characterised by deep religious beliefs – both Islam and Christianity – political activism and a strong sense of community.

Athlone is one of the most well-known areas in the Cape Flats. It is a residential and commercial area that was established in the 1930s. Well-established and attractively maintained areas have existed side by side with poorer communities, but all were united in the struggle against Apartheid. The infamous Trojan Horse incident occurred there on 15 October 1985. Armed police, hiding in crates in the back of a railway truck, ambushed a group of youths, opened fire, killed three young people and injured several others. On 24 September 2005, Heritage Day, the Trojan Horse Memorial was unveiled in remembrance of the three victims and also as a tribute to the youth of the Cape Flats.

The Saartjie Baartman Centre on Klipfontein Road is named after a South African woman of the Griqua tribe who was taken to Paris in 1914 where she was subjected to medical research, put on display and ridiculed. In 2002 her remains were returned to South Africa and dignity was restored by her burial on Women’s Day.

Guguletu or “Gugs” as it is affectionately known – was established in the 1950s to house migrant workers from the Eastern Cape. Men were forced to leave their families and live in cramped hostels. When their families began to arrive, they had no choice but to vacate the hostels and build shacks, known as 'informal settlements'. A visit to Guguletu, normally with a registered tourist guide, should include a visit to the Amy Biehl Memorial, a moving tribute to post-apartheid reconciliation, and the Guguletu Seven Memorial, which serves as a reminder of the years of struggle and pays tribute to some of its heroes. Contact Cape Town Tourism to book a Cultural Tour with one of our accredited tour guides. Remember to fit in a visit to Cape Town Tourism’s vibrant Visitor Information Centre located at the Guguletu Campus to stock up on locally produced pottery and other hand-made craft Tel +27 (0)21 637 8449.

In Grassy Park you'll find CAFDA (Cape Flats Development Association), which helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the Cape Flats communities and addresses the problems of poverty through community projects and skills development. The Stables Craft and Culture Centre, an income-generating project on Prince George Drive, Grassy Park, is a new tourism product on the Southbound itinerary Tel: + 27 (0)21 705 6705.

FALSE BAY

Wolfgat to Simon’s Town: The False Bay coastline is steeped in history. It is so named because ships arriving at the Cape from the East often mistook it for Table Bay.

Muizenberg’s “Millionaire’s Mile” boasts the oldest building on the False Bay coast – Het Posthuys – and, nearby, the battle of Muizenberg site, where the public are invited to visit to find out more about the battle between the British and the Dutch that was so significant to the history of Cape Town and South Africa Tel: +27 (0)21 788 5054.

National monuments in the area include Rhodes Cottage, the Natale Labia Museum and the exquisite Edwardian building that houses the Muizenberg Railway Station. Contact the Muizenberg Historical Society for more information on the area Tel: + 27 (0)21 788 5542.

The Holy Trinity Church in Kalk Bay was founded in 1873 and is easily recognised by the thatch-roofed lychgate, which is the oldest in South Africa.

Peers Cave, where the remains of the Fish Hoek Man were discovered, dates back 12 000 years. The Fish Hoek Valley Museum arranges guided walks Tel: +27 (0)21 782 1752.

Simon’s Town is steeped in naval history and interesting stories and legends. The British influence is immediately felt in the architecture, and the high number of excellent museums depicting the naval history.

One of the oldest surviving Corsican-pattern towers in the world, Roman Rock Lighthouse, commissioned in 1861, is the third-oldest lighthouse in the country and the only one built on a rock. Let’s not forget the Great Dane and worthy sea dog, Able Seaman Just Nuisance, who was buried with full military honours. A bronze statue of this remarkable dog has pride of place on Jubilee Square. Don’t miss a visit to the SA Naval Museum Tel: + 27 (0)21 787 4635 and the Simon’s Town Museum Tel: + 27 (0)21 786 3046.

Simons Town also fell prey to forced removals of its residents in the late 1960s. They were moved primarily to Ocean View and other Cape Flats areas and the Heritage Museum depicts the impact of that time Tel: + 27 (0)21 786 2302.

A Whale of a Heritage Route (Strandfontein, Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek Valley, Glencairn, Simon’s Town and Cape Point) is a wonderful new initiative that promotes the vibrant history and museums, buildings, old sites, landmarks and whale sightings. Adventure-driven events such as historical treasure hunts, are offered as well as guided walks, both of which explore the fabulous architecture of the Cape Vernacular, Georgian, Ewardian and Vitorian eras in an interactive way. The route also maintains a whale spotting log which is updated daily from June to November visit www.awhaleofaheritageroute.co.za.

ATLANTIC COAST

Cape Point, the most southerly point within the Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, boasts the most powerful lighthouse on the South African coast. Cape Point Lighthouse was completed in 1860 but after the sinking of the luxury liner, Lusitania on Bellows Rock in 1911, a second light­house was constructed on Dias Point. It was lit for the first time at sunset on 11 March 1919 and was electrified in 1936.

The legend of Antonie’s Gat, a cave near the beach at Buffelsbaai, is a facinating one. A political exile from Indonesia, Lalu Abdul, was incarcer­ated in the slave dungeons in Simon’s Town in 1753. He made a dramatic escape and lived for several years in the cave, doing odd jobs for a local farmer. It was, however, his spiritual teaching to his family and slaves who would visit him secretly at Cape Point, that earned him the status of Holy Man within Cape Town’s Muslim community.

The Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie ‘Little Bowl’ was built in 1919 and is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the country. Tours can be arranged.

Masiphumelele (‘We will Succeed’) was established in the early 1980s by migrant workers from the Eastern Cape, some of whom had found work in the Fish Hoek Valley area. A walking tour with a registered local guide will take the visi­tor to the primary school, the clinic and various self-help projects where issues of HIV/Aids and poverty are tackled by the community Tel: + 27 (0)83 982 5692.

Hout Bay (Wood Bay) is a picturesque bay surrounded by one of the fastest growing suburbs on the peninsula. It’s known for its harbour, fresh fish and chips for sale, the Sentinel (the peak that overlooks the bay) and, Chapman’s Peak Drive. The road was built by prisoners and first opened to the public in 1922, and it is said to be the world’s most scenic drive. This was once an area where wild animals roamed free – but the last leopard was seen here in the 1930’s. The bronze leopard sculpted by local artist Ivan Mitford-Barberton, was placed on its rocky pedestal at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive in 1963. Following massive safety renovations, it has recently become a toll road. For information on the road’s status Tel: + 27 (0)21 791 8222.

The bay’s role in the battle for supremacy between the Dutch and the English is evident in the ruins of forts. Both East and West Forts have restored cannons that are fired on special historical occasions Tel: Heritage Trust + 27 (0)21 790 2008. The Hout Bay Museum depicts the history of the suburb and also boasts a veld-kos indigenous garden and offers guided walks and environment classes for school groups Tel: + 27 (0)21 790 3270.

At Hout Bay harbour, the SA Fisheries Museum has a variety of displays including model boats and a computerised marine encyclopaedia Tel: + 27 (0)21 790 7268.

The oldest building in Hout Bay is Kronendal, situated on the Main Road. Now a National Monument, it was first granted to Willem Basson by Simon van de Stel in 1681 Tel: + 27 (0)21 790 8004.

Another historic landmark is the Hout Bay Manor Hotel. Originally known as the Royal Hotel, it is now a beautifully restored four-star hotel.

Make sure you visit the community workshops, Iziko lo Lwazi Craftworkers, Tel: +27 (0)21 790 2273 and Original Tea Bag Designs Tel: +27 (0)21 790 0887. Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay can be visited with a local qualified tour guide.

Take a walking tour of the township, where you can learn about its history and interact with this vibrant community. Houses funded by the Niall J Mellon Initiative can be seen here alongside the corrugated iron homes in the neighbourhood.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

South of the City Centre and following the spine of the Table Mountain Chain are the residential suburbs known locally as the Southern Suburbs. The area stretches from Rosebank to Lakeside and can be reached via the M3, the M4, the M5 and the Southern Suburbs railway line.

Apart from the South African Astronomical Observatory (open to the public the second Saturday of every month at 20h00) Tel: + 27 (0)21 447 0025, after which this suburb is named, bohemian Observatory is home to South Africa’s famous Groote Schuur Hospital, where the world’s first heart transplant was performed in 1967. Visit the Groote Schuur Museum and the recently restored Charles Saint Theatre suite, which contains many items of historical interest and memorabilia relating to the transplant and to the history of the hospital in general Tel: + 27 (0)21 404 5232. The Heart of Cape Town Museum will collect and drop you off at your hotel Tel: +27 (0)21 404 1967.

Rosebank is home to Mostert’s Mill, which was built at the end of the 18th Century, the year after the Battle of Muizenberg when the British took control of the Cape from the Dutch. Volunteer millers run this historic mill and welcome visitors. The Irma Stern Museum, originally the artist’s distinctive home, is now devoted to her work and her collections. It is a venue for changing exhibitions and poetry readings Tel: + 27 (0)21 685 5686.

Rondebosch boasts the historic University of Cape Town, founded in 1829. It is the oldest – and arguably the university with the most beautiful setting in South Africa Tel: + 27 (0)21 650 9111.

Rhodes Memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built in 1912, honours Cape mining magnate and Empire builder, Cecil John Rhodes Tel: + 27 (0)21 689 9151. The Groote Schuur Estate, donated by Rhodes to be used as a residence for the head of state, is located on the orignal Dutch East India Company granaries and can be visited by appointment.

Groote Schuur (Dutch for 'Big Barn') was built by the Dutch East India Company in about 1657 as part of De Schuur, the company's granary Tel: + 27 (0)21 6869100.

Newlands, home to Cape Town’s rugby and cricket fraternity, has the SA Rugby Museum that celebrates South Africa’s illustrious rugby tradition with memorabilia and photographic displays, while also offering activities, exhibitions and insights into the world of rugby. The cricket and rugby stadium here hosted matches in the respective World Cups of 2003 and 1995.

Cape Town’s only surviving and operational water mill – Josephine’s Mill – was built in 1840 and has been beautifully restored. There is a small but fascinating museum charting the milling process and a wonderful restaurant and wine deli Tel: + 27 (0)21 686 4939.

Wynberg takes its name from the original farm, Oude Wijnberg (Old Wine Mountain). The “Old Village”, now the centre of a bustling residential and commercial suburb, retains fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. A series of do-it-yourself walking guides are a must for visitors who wish to explore this fascinating suburb on foot Tel: + 27 (0)21 787 9140.

Victorian and Edwardian school furniture and educational aids can be seen at the Centre for Conservation (Cape Education Museum) Tel: + 27 (0)21 762 1622.

Constantia is best known as the birth place of the South African wine industry. The Groot Constantia Estate, the oldest of the five estates on the Constantia Wine Route, was developed by Simon van der Stel in 1685. The Cloete Cellar and the Manor House are fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture Tel: + 27 (0)21 794 5128.