CapeTownMagazine.com

Cape Town Kids' Hidden Secret: Cannons shot at The Castle ...

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

Cape Town Kids' Hidden Secret: Cannons shot at The Castle of Good Hope

Why so few people know about it baffles us. Time for a (re)discovery.

It’s big yet unprepossessing, till you’re standing in front of it: the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town’s city centre. Just a few steps away from the central station and the modern shopping malls, you can immerse yourself in the time of the 17th to 19th century.

The Castle of Good Hope was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Back then located directly at the Atlantic, the castle provided shelter for all Europeans who settled at the Cape. The fortress was the centre of civilian, political and military life. Today the Castle of Good Hope is seat of the military in the Cape and hosts three museums, including: Castle Military Museum, Iziko Hope Gallery (with changing exhibitions at Secunde’s House) and William Fehr Collection, in which rooms are historically decorated with furniture, paintings and accessories of the 17th to 19th century.

We enter the castle shortly before 10 in the morning, just in time since a key ceremony is happening. A key delivery (to open the front door) and the sounding of a bell are simulated; after that a mini cannon (the Signal Cannon) is fired…tinnitus included if you don’t hold your ears in time. 

At 11am the first tour of the day takes place and to waste time we’re walking atop the battlement. From here you have a phenomenal 360 degree view over Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, the towers of the city centre and the other districts in the east. We’re walking to each five corners of the radial castle and returning to the patio. The tour lasts just about 30 minutes and leads us among others to Bakhuys & Dolphin Pool and the torture chamber of the castle.

Afterwards there is enough time to stroll around, take photos or visit one of the museums. The exhibitions are not too big and together with the interesting tour you can get a good idea about life at the Cape 300 years ago. Whoever needs refreshment or rest can sit down in the restaurant or at one of the benches in the patio. The Castle of Good Hope is not just for history lovers or military fans but also for families, tourists and locals a perfect excursion – just a Cape Town must!

by Anne Wallrabe


Castle of Good Hope

Corner Darling and Buitenkant Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 787 1260

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am - 4pm (last admission 3:30pm); daily tours: 11am, 12pm und 2pm; Key ceremony and firing of signal cannon: Monday to Friday 10am - 12 pm (firings Saturdays at 11am and 12pm)

Prices: adults R28; children (5-16 years) & students R12

---

Let the music hold you hostage within the castle walls at the Full Moon party.

Check out what else you need to tick off on our Cape Town bucket list.

Friends become family as you get lost in music and celebrate house and techno music at the With You Festival.  

---

Stay in the loop on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31

AroundAboutCars 3 Car rental specials in Cape Town

Free upgrades, free data, 10% off luxury vehicles & more

Wolfkop Nature Reserve 4Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...

Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more

HintHunt AfricaGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024Sublime dining at Palm House Boutique ...

Friday Night Steak Club, Afternoon Tea, 6-course tasting menu & more

The Barracks accommodation city centre Cape Town accommodation special for a ...

20% off, free breakfast, access to rooftop pool

mischu 2024Reasons to have lunch at mischu

Where else in Sea Point can you have lunch for under R100?

Trail's End Bike HotelTeam building, stylish conferencing & ...

Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End

Milk on the beach wafflesOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Loaded hotdogs, caramel popcorn G&Ts, waffle churros

Pear TreeThe hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Sushi calamari, miso sirloin & rice krispies milkshakes

mischu 2024Weekends are for mischu

You can get breakfast and coffee with the R99 brunch special

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Milk on the Beach 2024Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

Ramen by the sea, a build-your-own waffle bar & 5 more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024This boutique 5-star hotel offers ...

The signature Palm Journey includes a 3-course lunch

GiveawaysTravel Tips