The Castle of Good Hope is actually not a castle at all but a pentagon shaped fort. It was constructed by the Dutch East India Company over 13 years and construction was completed in 1679. It is the oldest building in South Africa and houses the oldest bell in the country. It served as the residence of the Governor of the Cape and as a refreshment station for the Dutch East India Company ships on their way to the east.
You can take a tour offered periodically during the day or just explore on your own. You could easily spend up to half a day exploring this historic attraction. Put on good walking shoes because the only way around is on foot.
The Key Ceremony is performed on week days only and ends with the firing of the Signal Cannon.
The underground tunnel tour takes the visitor to the tunnels that once channeled fresh water to the city and a horse and carriage ride is like a trip back in time. The De Goewerner restaurant is available for meals while visiting.
View Cape Town's Castle of Good Hope in a larger map
Gates open at 9:00 a.m. daily
Horse and Carriage Tours (pre-booking for the horse and carriage rides is essential ):
Tel: +27 (0)82 575 5669
Tunnel Tours
Tel: +27 (0)82 482 4226
Miltary Tattoo - an annual event
If you are visiting Cape Town in November, you may want to take in the Military Tattoo held at the Castle.
Additional Information:
The fort is located well inland of the shore but this was not always the case. In its early years, the ocean waves often broke against the fort walls. Thanks to extensive land reclamation over the years, the fort is no longer at threat of being flooded.
The Castle of Good Hope is one of the stops for the Hop On Hop Off bus.
Cape Town Attractions
| Highlights of Cape Town | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town and Peninsula Beaches |
| Camps Bay | Clifton Beaches | Cape Peninsula Attractions | Castle of Good Hope |
|
Groot Constantia Wine Estate | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens |Robben Island |
|
Table Mountain | V&A Waterfront | Winelands and Wine Routes |
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