Castle of Good Hope, ZA
S 33° 55.555 E 018° 25.662
34H E 262217 N 6243077
The oldest building in South Africa.
Waymark Code: WMCAW
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Date Posted: 05/10/2006
Views: 82
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 16522 upon establishing a maritime replanishment station art the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Verenigde Oos-Indische Compagnie).
On 26 April 1679 the five bastions were named after the main titles of Willem, the Prince of Orange. The Western bastions was named Leerdam ; followed in clockwise order by Buuren, Catzenellenbogen, Nassau and Orange.
In 1936 the Castle was declared a National Monument. As a result of an extensive, ongoing restoration and conservation programme launched in the 1980's , the Castle of Good Hope remains the best preserved of its kind built by the VOC in regions where it had interests.
The Cape of Good Hope houses the regional headquarters of the South African Army in the Western Cape, the famous William Fehr Collection of historic artworks, the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for traditional Cape Regiments.
Entrance and Bell Tower
The main entrance to the Castle bears many reminders of the nearly one and a half centuries of VOC presence at the Cape. This entrance is a unique example of 17th century Dutch classicism. The bell, cast in 1697 by Claude Fremy in Amsterdam, still hangs in the tower from its original wooden beams.
Fortification
The Castle of Good Hope was built in accordance with 17th century European principles of fortification comprising strong bastions from which the outside walls could be protected by cross-fire.
Het Bakhuys & Dolphin Pool
During restoration of the inner courtyard, the foundations of the early 18th century bakery and pool were discovered. The building, currently known as Het Bakhuys ('t Bakhuijs), has been reconstructed on these foundations.
Castle Military Museum
This museum depicts the military history of the Cape, the Castle and Cape Regiments.
William Fehr Collection
This collection consists of artworks reflecting many aspects of cultural life at the Cape from the early VOC days until the end of the 19th century. Exhibitions of a contemporary nature are occasionally presented.
Moat
Sections of the moat, once a part of the Castle's system of defence, were rebuilt restorations.
Accessibility: Full access
Condition: Intact
Admission Charge?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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