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Castle of Good Hope
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Historical site
The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Constructed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) between 1666 and 1679, it replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Jan van Riebeeck. The fortress is designed with a distinctive pentagonal star layout, featuring five bastions named Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje after the titles of the Prince of Orange. For over two centuries, it functioned as the seat of government and military headquarters for the Cape Colony. Today, the site houses the William Fehr Collection of historical artworks and furniture, along with the Castle Military Museum. Notable architectural features include the Kat balcony and the central bell tower, which holds a bell cast in Amsterdam in 1697. As a declared National Monument, the castle serves as a vital historical record of maritime trade and early Dutch settlement in the region.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: Castle Military Museum · Side Street Studios · Victoria Art Gallery
- Nearby: Milnerton (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 15 | 25 | 48 | 71 | 135 | 124 | 121 | 62 | 47 | 46 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is a bastion fort and fully open to visitors. The interior rooms, museum, and courtyard are accessible.
Typical hours
The fort is open daily, typically from 9:00 to 17:00, with shorter hours on holidays. Current times can be seen on the official website.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fort, in some exhibition rooms possibly without flash. The exterior grounds offer good subjects, especially the bastions.
Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a visit. Those wanting to explore the museum and history in depth should allow 2 hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Company's Garden and to the Parliament building. The Waterfront and Table Mountain are also nearby.
Getting there
The castle is in central Cape Town, walking distance from the train station and many bus lines. Parking is limited in the area - public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Attend the ceremonial key handover at 11:00 if you want to experience the military heritage. Admission is cheap and worth it for history lovers.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began on January 2, 1666, under commander Zacharias Wagenaer.
- The fort is built in the Dutch Renaissance style of military architecture.
- The bell in the tower was cast in Amsterdam in 1697 and weighs roughly 300 kg.
- It is South Africa's oldest building in continuous use since its completion.
- The Kat balcony was added in 1695 to provide a platform for official proclamations.
- The Castle was officially declared a National Monument in 1936.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Castle of Good Hope (10)
Side Street Studios🎭 culture
An arts centre in Woodstock occupying repurposed industrial buildings to provide studio spaces for local creatives.
🌐 sidestreet.co.za🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-14:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of the castle?
The castle is usually open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
Can you take photos in the courtyard?
Yes, photography is permitted in the outdoor areas and courtyard of the castle.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
Partially yes, some areas are accessible for wheelchair users, but due to history, there are limitations.
How long does a tour take?
You should plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough visit.
Are there also museums there?
Yes, the castle houses several exhibitions on military history and local culture.
Castle of Good Hope: where is it located?
Castle of Good Hope is located in South Africa.
Castle of Good Hope: what is there to see?
Highlights include Castle Military Museum, Side Street Studios, Victoria Art Gallery.
Castle of Good Hope: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Castle of Good Hope: why is it worth visiting?
The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.
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