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Overview: Built between 1666 and 1679, the Castle is the oldest surviving building in South Africa.
In January 1666 the building of the Castle of Good Hope started in all earnest. The Castle of Good Hope would therefore also be referred to as the “Kui keip” (Stone Kraal) by the Khoina.
Built by soldiers, sailors and slaves, the walls were clad in local stone. The Castle of Good Hope was to fulfil its role as replenishment station of the Dutch East Indian Company and to protect its logistical and financial interests along the “spice route”.
One could say that the Castle of Good Hope was an “Engen One Stop” or a “Shell Ultra City”.
Protecting its interests against the British and French would obviously require soldiers and therefore a military presence. These soldiers served the Dutch East Indian Company and were remunerated for their services. This explains the military presence at the Castle of Good Hope until this day and the ceremonies and guard duties they perform.
From 1678 it was the centre of civilian, administrative and military life at the Cape, until the settlement grew and some functions and activities moved away from the Castle.
Today the Castle is the seat of the military in the Cape, and houses the Castle Military Museum and Iziko Museums of Cape Town (William Fehr Collection).
Telephone: 021 787 1260
Email:
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Website: www.castleofgoodhope.co.za
Times: Monday-Sunday (09h00-16h00-last entry 15h30)
Closed on Christmas and New Year
Entrance Fees: Adults: R25 Pensioners (SA only): R15
Children(5-16yrs): R10
Facilities: Dungeon, William Fehr Collection, Castle Military Museum.
Firing of Cannon: Monday to Friday (10h00 and 12h00)
Saturday (11h00 and 12h00)
Key Ceremony: Monday to Friday (10h00 & 12h00)
Both Firing of Cannon and Key Ceremony is subject to the weather.
Where are we: Corner of Darling & Buitenkant Streets, Cape Town
SPECIAL OFFERS: Entrance to Castle free on Heritage Day
24 September - Open Day |
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