Castle of Good Hope
The oldest surviving structure in South Africa is this star-shaped castle in the middle of Cape Town. The Dutch East India Company built the Castle of Good Hope in the late 17th century, serving as both the administrative and military hub of colonial Cape Town. It is one of the world's best restored and rebuilt examples of Dutch East India Company architecture. Moreover, it is the oldest standing structure in all of South Africa. Anyone who is interested in knowing more about the history and development of the Mother City should definitely pay a visit to the old fortress, which now serves as a military museum.
The Castle of Good Hope, which is still the region's military fortress, is home to a number of museums. There are guided excursions available on foot and in a horse-drawn carriage. Plan your trip if you can to coincide with the Key Ceremony, which is signaled by the Signal Cannon's firing. There are breathtaking sights to take in while in Table Mountain's shadow. For some of the best views, climb up atop the bastions. Most days of the week, there are free walking excursions that transport you back in time. Old weapons, uniforms, and other military relics can be found inside the Military Museum, while the William Fehr Collection offers a superb collection of artwork and antiquities.
The Key Ceremony occurs Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and noon, and the Castle of Good Hope is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission is at 3:30 p.m.). At 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, guided tours are available. For adults, the entrance fee to the castle is 28 ZAR (about $4 USD), while it is 12 ZAR (about $1.50 USD) for minors.
Address: Buitenkant St & Strand St Cape Town 8001
Phone: +27 21 787 1249
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm
Rating: 3.5/5.0, 955 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: https://castleofgoodhope.co.za/
