Save time by having your knowledgeable guide direct you to Castle of Good Hope entrance rather than making you wait in lengthy admission lines.
With the aid of a knowledgeable guide, you may learn about the origins of Castle of Good Hope.
This intimate and exclusive small-group guided tour is the ideal way to experience Castle of Good Hope because it guarantees that you will have your guide's full attention.
Depending on your request, this tour can be given in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
Castle of Good Hope
Located on the tip of the Cape Peninsula, Castle of Good Hope is an historic landmark in Cape Town. It was built by the Dutch East India Company (DEIC) between 1666 and 1679, and is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. It served as a strategic maritime resupply center for ships traveling from the Netherlands to the East Indies, and also served as a military base for Cape Governors. The fortifications built around the Castle helped protect the walls of the Castle from crossfire, and also served as a deterrent against British invasion.
The Dutch East India Company (DEIC) wanted to establish a refreshment station for ships traveling from the Netherlands to the Dutch East Indies. The company also wanted to maintain its monopoly on the Spice Trade. So, the company built a settlement on the shores of Table Bay, which was a natural port for resupply. In 1652, Governor Zacharias Wagenaar laid the first four cornerstones of the Castle of Good Hope. During the Second Boer War, part of the Castle was used as a prison.
The Castle was built in the shape of a star with five points. It was built from Robben Island to the inland edge of Table Bay. The first bastions of the Castle were Buuren and Leerdam. The bastions were named after the main titles of Willem, Prince of Orange, and Nassau. The second bastion was Catzenellenbogen. The third bastion was Oranje, and the fourth was Orange. The fifth bastion was Muizenberg.
The original bell in the Castle was crafted in Amsterdam in 1697 by Claude Fremy, and weighs 670 pounds. The bell is still hanging on the original wooden beams. The bell is used to call residents to the Castle, and also to warn citizens of danger. In 1795, the Castle was used as the seat of government by the DEIC, and it was also used as a prison during the Second Boer War.
The Castle was built by the Dutch East India Company to serve as a maritime resupply station for ships traveling from the Netherlands to the East India Company. It was also the nerve center of early Cape Town settlement. It served as the seat of government and administrative life for two centuries. The fortifications around the Castle were designed to deter the British from attacking the fortress, and were built to provide soldiers with several points of defense.
The Castle is also home to the Cape Town Highlanders Regiment, a mechanized infantry unit of the South African Army. The Castle Military Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the military history of the Cape. There are a variety of guided and self-guided tours of the Castle, as well as a restaurant. The Castle is also home to the William Fehr Collection of historic artworks.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many castles had their own smithies, where they would make weapons and other supplies. In the Castle, there is still a blacksmith's workshop. A former torture chamber was also located within the Castle.
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The guide was really kind and skilled at talking in a way that piqued your interest and kept you focused on the city's attractions! I'd strongly advise it.
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We had a great day exploring Madrid. Carlos was very educated and personable, and he told us a lot of amusing stories about the area. Definitely a recommendation!
Fabulous tour
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4.5
Wonderful Alhambra visit with Anna. She was very approachable, knowledgeable, and full of amusing anecdotes.
Great morning
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5
We spent a great day exploring Milan's medieval districts on foot. The tour guide told engaging stories and was well-informed.
Outstanding!
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4.9
We had a wonderful day and are very happy we took the 2-hour guided tour of Paris.
