Castle of Good Hope
Western Cape
The Castle of Good Hope, built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, stands as the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa and the best-preserved example of a 17th-century Dutch fort worldwide. Originally positioned on the coastline of Table Bay, land reclamation has since placed it inland within Cape Town's Central Business District. The fortress was constructed to serve as a replenishment station for ships traveling between Europe and the Dutch East Indies, reflecting the strategic importance of the Cape. Its pentagonal design features five bastions named after the titles of William III of Orange-Nassau: Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje. The fort includes a bell tower with the oldest bell in South Africa, cast in Amsterdam in 1697, which was used for timekeeping and warnings. Inside, the Castle housed a church, bakery, workshops, living quarters, shops, and cells, painted in yellow to reduce heat absorption. The De Kat Balcony, designed by Louis Michel Thibault with sculptures by Anton Anreith, was a prominent feature from which announcements were made. The Castle also preserves the William Fehr Collection of paintings and antique furniture, administered by the Iziko Museums of South Africa. Declared a provincial heritage site in 1936 and restored in the 1980s, it remains a significant cultural and historical landmark reflecting the colonial era and maritime history of the Cape.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring the Castle. The site is wheelchair and visually impaired friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest tours and events, and to consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid queues. Visiting during weekdays or outside peak tourist seasons can enhance the experience by avoiding crowds. Family-friendly facilities are available, and guided tours provide valuable insights into the Castle's rich history.
Interesting facts
- •The bell in the Castle's bell tower, cast in Amsterdam in 1697, is the oldest bell in South Africa and can be heard up to 10 kilometres away.
- •The Castle's five bastions are named after the main titles of William III of Orange-Nassau: Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje.
- •The yellow paint on the Castle's walls was chosen to lessen the effect of heat and sunlight.
- •The De Kat Balcony, from which announcements were made, was designed by Louis Michel Thibault and features sculptures by Anton Anreith.
- •The Castle houses the William Fehr Collection of paintings and antique furniture, managed by Iziko Museums of South Africa.
History
The Castle of Good Hope was constructed between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company to replace an earlier clay and timber fort established in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck.
The pentagonal stone fortress was commissioned amid rising tensions between the Netherlands and Great Britain, with the first stone laid on 2 January 1666.
The five bastions were named in 1679 after the titles of William III of Orange-Nassau.
In 1682, the original sea-facing entrance was replaced by a gated entry, and a bell tower with the oldest bell in South Africa was built in 1684.
The Castle was declared a historical monument in 1936 and underwent significant restoration in the 1980s to preserve its architectural integrity.
Place Guide
Leerdam Bastion1679
The western bastion of the Castle, named after one of William III of Orange-Nassau's titles, forming part of the pentagonal fortification system.
De Kat Balcony1786-1790
A balcony designed by Louis Michel Thibault with reliefs and sculptures by Anton Anreith, used historically for making announcements to soldiers, slaves, and citizens.
Bell Tower1684 (tower), 1697 (bell)
Situated over the main entrance, this tower houses the oldest bell in South Africa, cast in Amsterdam in 1697, used to announce time and warn citizens.
William Fehr Collection
A collection of paintings and antique furniture housed within the Castle, administered by Iziko Museums of South Africa, showcasing colonial art and heritage.
Contact
Phone: 012 461 4673
