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The Cape Town city center is, in comparison to the surrounding suburbs stretching along Table Mountain, relatively small. One can explore the inner-city of Cape Town by foot and enjoy all the interesting attractions at your own pace.
We recommend you begin your tour by foot at the “Castle of Good Hope” where informative hourly tours are given. The castle was built by the Dutch to defend themselves against the British during the war. It was constructed in the form of a pentagon to increase its effectiveness as a defense mechanism. Construction started in 1666 and was completed in 1679. The five bastions were named after the five princes of “Oranje”, namely Leerdam, Oranje, Nassau, Buren and Katzenellenbogen.
After the military exhibitions and the archeological significance, “De Kat” is the main attraction. “De Kat” is a 12m high balcony from which addresses (speeches) were held for the residents of Cape Town. The famous William Fehr collection is exhibited at the castle. A restaurant and café is situated at the castle.
West of the castle on the corner of Buitenkant and Darling Streets is the “Grand Parade”. Many political and military meetings were held here in the past, but today it hosts a large flea market.
From the Cape Town City Hall, which was built in 1905, one has a fantastic view of the Grand Parade. The hall was built in the old-Italian Renaissance style and is the last of its kind in the city. Imposing and incredibly impressive mosaic floors, marble stairs and an organ with 3 165 pipes decorate the interior of the City Hall. The hall was dedicated to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
After viewing the City Hall, a small detour to the District Six Museum is highly recommended. An interesting, colourful and very emotional account of a part Cape Town’s history is told in the museum, namely that of the Cape Coloureds during the Apartheid era. It is a tragic part of history which one has to know to appreciate the true and complete history of Cape Town. The most interesting aspect of this museum is that most employees are ex-residents of District Six and they have fascinating stories to tell.
From there a short walk will take you to the Company Gardens at the top of Adderley Street and there you will find the South African Cultural History Museum. It was originally built for the slaves working the gardens, but after the slaves were sold it was used as a government office. Thereafter it was used as a court and finally as a museum. Nowadays one can view interesting collections on the development of the postal system and the South African currency. There is also a large collection of antique furniture, glass ceramics, weapons, musical instruments and toys from various countries on display.
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