The Castle of Good Hope

Cape Town City Hall

Opposite the Castle lies the Cape Town City Hall in Darling Street. It is a large Edwardian building in Cape Town city centre which was built in 1905. It is located on the Grand Parade to the west of the Castle and is built from honey-coloured oolitic limestone imported from Bath in England. On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela used the City Hall balcony to speak conciliatory words to over 250,000 people just a few hours after being released from prison in 1990.

Castle Forge

Hope. See a replica of a real Forge as it operated during the 17th and 18th century.

Guided Tours

Guided Tours are conducted from Monday to Saturday at 11h00, 12h00 and 14h00 (except on Sundays). Price is included in the entry fee, so simply join the group.

Horse and Carriage Rides

The 16-seater copy of a Victorian omnibus provides 4 guided historical tours a day that encompass the Company’s Garden and most of the major tourist spots located within the Cape Town CBD.
The operating times of the carriage vary dependant on season, but during high season October-March leaves the Castle front quad at the following times: 10:30 | 12:45 | 14:45. Book 24 Hours in Advance.
Castle of Good Hope; Tel: +27 82 575 5669 (John)
www.ctcco.co.za
info@ctcco.co.za

The Castle Military Museum

The Castle Military Museum depicts Cape Military History and has one of the most impressive sword collections in the country. Also visit the Curio Shop, which offers Castle of Good Hope paraphernalia.

The Key Ceremony

The famous Key Ceremony takes place every weekday at 10h00 and 12h00 where after the Firing of the Signal Canon takes place (every weekday at 10h00 and 12h00 directly after the Key Ceremony). Be sure to be present early so as not to miss this great attraction.

The Two Dungeons

The Castle houses two dungeons: the Torture Chamber and the Dark Hole.

The William Fehr Collection

Fine and interesting examples of paintings and decorative arts of special relevance to the Cape are to be found in the William Fehr Collection. Though these art works reflect a colonial worldview, they are fascinating reflections of life at the Cape and the people – free and otherwise – who lived and worked here in earlier centuries.
Located in the Castle of Good Hope
Tel: +27 21 464 1262
eesmyol@iziko.org.za

De Goewerneur Restaurant

Cuisine: South African Ambiance: tranquil Home of the traditional cuisine of South Africa Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at the De Goewerneur Restaurant with Table Mountain as a backdrop. De Goewerneur Restaurant has a unique home in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town. The restaurant presents its guests with a rich variety of South African cuisine with an emphasis on the influences of Malay, Dutch and French cooking passed on through the South African history. Bookings are essential.
Located in the Castle of Good Hope
Monday–Saturday: 10h00 – 16h00
Tel: +27 21 4614895
theuns@capetowncastle.co.za

The Parade Market

A place not to miss is the Parade Market on the Grand Parade - where Nelson Mandela made his first public appearance after his release from 27 years in jail. Visitors can experience on Wednesdays and Saturdays how the market women stand behind thick fabric bales negotiating prices with their customers while there is a smell of fried fish and flowers in the air. You’ll also find a variety of items that’s simply too long for mention. You’ll just have to experience it for yourself!