Castle of Good Hope

Afrikaans name: Kasteel die Goeie Hoop

Castle of Good Hope

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Western Cape

Work began on building the Castle of Good Hope on 2nd January 1666. Dutch Commander Zacharias Wagenaer was instructed to build it because of growing tensions between the British and the Dutch.

Progress on building the fort was slow with changes being made at regular intervals.

Initially the Castle of Good Hope had living quarters, workshops, jail cells, church and a bakery.

Today the fort is home to the Cape Town Highlanders Regiment and is used by other regiments for ceremonial duties. The fort also contains an art museum and display of antique furniture.

Besides being a major tourist attraction in Cape Town, the Castle of Good Hope is also used for various public functions as well as a set for movies.

Have you visited the Castle? What was it like?

Above - Castle of Good Hope

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 12

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 332

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 19

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 264

Country Life - Issue 218 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 63

Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Published: 2015 - Page: 11

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 11

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 10

Castle of Good Hope

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