Castle of Good Hope - About the Attraction
The Castle of Good Hope is one of South Africa’s oldest historical landmarks and is also viewed as a bastion of South Africa’s colonial past. Now, it welcomes visitors both local and international, who want to learn more about the history and heritage of the Cape.
“The Castle” as it is locally known, was originally located on the coastline of Table Bay but, following reclamation, the fort is now located a short distance inland within the city’s Central Business District. This heritage site is considered the best preserved example of a 17th century architectural structure in the world. The Castle is known for its five bastions – Leerdam to the west, with Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje clockwise from it.
It housed a church, bakery, various workshops, living quarters, shops, and prison cells, among other facilities. It is believed that the yellow paint on the walls was originally chosen because it lessened the effect of heat and the sun. A wall, built to protect citizens in case of an attack, divides the inner courtyard, which also houses the De Kat Balcony – now with the “Kings of the Castle” statues in front of it. It is from this balcony that announcements were made to soldiers, slaves and burghers (town inhabitants) of the Cape.
Some activities to add to your list when visiting include a guided tour, take a closer look at the architecture, visit the military museum, view the William Fehr Collection as well as the African Pottery Collection.
Don’t miss the traditional Key Ceremony, the unlocking of the van der Stel entrance by the ceremonial guards, or the Firing of the Signal Canon which is performed by the South African National Defence Force and used to be sign of ships sighted at sea.
The Castle also acted as the local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape, and still houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments.
Key Attractions the Castle of Good Hope
Things to Do in Castle of Good Hope
Athlone in Cape Town is a cultural hub made up of a number of vibrant arts, culture, and memorial areas that form a centre for culturally diversity.
Places to Stay in Castle of Good Hope
If you’re looking for a place to stay in this region, there are several excellent options to choose from.
Places to Eat & Drink in Castle of Good Hope
With its rich cultural diversity, Athlone offers a wide selection of dining options.
Travel Inspiration
Looking for some travel inspiration for your next trip to Athlone? Here are some ideas to get you started:
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@piersgreatperhaps taking in our marvellous Mother City ⛰🌊
📸: @craigrodney
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Wander into Khayelitsha, a township filled with history, culture, and adventure!
Gather your friends and meander through vibrant art, plant a community garden, cycle through the neighbourhood, and indulge in a traditional meal with Juma Art Tours.
There’s something for everyone in Khayelitsha 🙌
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Soak Up Simon’s Town’s history and art scene!
Sip an aromatic cup of coffee while paging through a gripping novel, wander through the past and present at the South African Naval Museum, or enjoy a scenic walk to the Just Nuisance statue.
📍 @willets_hotel_spa
📍 South African Naval Museum
📍 Warrior Toy Museum and Shop
📍 Just Nuisance Statue
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Richard Yeomans is among many persons with disabilities who have the opportunity to experience the thrilling rush of the ocean through adaptive surfing lessons. 🌊
Surf Emporium, the only officially ‘Surfing South Africa’ accredited Adaptive Surf School in South Africa, has made great strides within this space through regular surf clinics and group or private adaptive surfing lessons.
The organisation, together with the Roxy Davis Foundation and Adaptive Surfing Cape Town, aims to show people with disabilities that surfing is possible.
Adaptive Surfing Cape Town also hosts monthly Adaptive Surf Clinics throughout the year.
#responsibletourism #adaptivesurfing #capetown #lovecapetown #surfemporium #surfing
Hundreds of Capetonians (and visitors to the Mother City) celebrated @capetowncarnival during its iconic parade this evening.
The mega-annual event did not disappoint visitors, showcasing incredible floats, dramatic costumes, and high energy dancers and entertainment. 💃
#capetowncarnival #lovecapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
The Cape Wheel is back in action at The V&A Waterfront at its new location at Breakwater Boulevard! 🥳🎡
Visitors will now get picturesque views of Table Mountain, Granger Bay, and Signal Hill.
The popular Cape Town activity is open daily and should be included in any traveller's bucket list.
And, if you are a SA citizen, you get to enjoy The Cape Wheel for free on your birthday when you show proof of ID!
Ticket sales are currently open. Visit http://www.capewheel.co.za/ for ticket prices and opening times.
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Stand a chance to win a weekend getaway for two at the stunning Nazari House in Bo-Kaap! 🤩
Located in the heart of Cape Town's traditional Malay Quarter, this guest house offers the perfect blend of luxury and cultural immersion.
To stand a chance to win, follow @lovecapetown and @nazarihousecapetown, then complete the online entry form at the link in our bio.
Please read the terms and conditions on the online entry form carefully before entering this competition.
The competition ends on Thursday, 30 March 2023, at 3pm. The winner will be announced on Friday, 31 March 2023.
#lovecapetown #capetown #bokaap #accommodation #competition #win
Soak Up Simon’s Town’s foodie scene! 🍲
Enjoy mouth-watering fish n chips by the seaside, tuck into a freshly prepared organic meal with a scenic view, or treat yourself to a luxurious fine dining experience during sunset.
📍 @berthas_restaurant
📍 @rocklands_farm
📍 @tintswalo_at_boulders
#simonstown #soakupsimonstown #capetown #lovecapetown #findyourfreedom #foodie #instagramfoodie #fearlessfoodie #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Stand a chance to win a VIP table for you and 7 friends at this month's We Love Summer Cape Town: The Secret Garden event! 🎉 The event will take place at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on 25 March 2023.
The prize includes 8x tickets, a private table around the dance floor, waiter service, and the choice of two bottles and 12 mixers.
To stand a chance to win, follow @lovecapetown and @welovesummerofficial and complete the online entry form at the link in our bio.
The competition ends on Monday, 20 March 2023, at 12pm and the winner will be contacted on the same day.
Soak up Simon’s Town’s exhilarating experiences! 🤿
Opt for a swim with penguins at Boulders Beach, a diving adventure at the Great African Sea Forests, or a thrilling shark cage diving experience at Simon’s Town.
📍 @the_boulders_beach_penguin
📍 @piscesdivers_ct
📍 @africansharkeco_charters
#simonstown #soakupsimonstown #capetown #lovecapetown #findyourfreedom #nature #naturewarrior #penguins #diving #sharks #sharkcagediving #beach #bouldersbeach #bouldersbeachpenguins #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Happy Pride! 🌈✨
The streets of Cape Town came alive with Pride festivities.
Hailed the biggest ever Pride event the city has ever seen, this year’s festivities saw a bigger stage, larger grounds, more stalls, and captivating entertainment.
#lovecapetown #pridemonth #pride #capetownpride #lqbtqia #inclusivetravel #travel #travelling #destination #capetown
Happy World Wildlife Day! 🐆
The day celebrates and raises awareness about the importance of protecting wild animals and plants around the world.
Attractions like @aquilasafaris and @inverdoornsafari have been at the forefront of conservation and anti-poaching.
From Aquila's fight against rhino poaching to Inverdoorn's cheetah conservation efforts-these two reserves are making an indelible mark for wildlife conservation.
#worldwildlifeday #aquila #inverdoorn #rhinopoaching #cheetahconservation #lovecapetown #conservation #wildlife #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
