Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town (must see)

The Castle of Good Hope is Cape Town’s oldest surviving colonial building and one of South Africa’s most important historical landmarks. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, this five-pointed star-shaped fortress sits at the edge of the city center, with Table Mountain rising dramatically behind it. Thick stone walls, bastions, and courtyards immediately transport visitors back to the early days of European settlement at the Cape.

One of the main attractions is the Castle’s well-preserved military architecture. Visitors can explore the ramparts and bastions, which offer excellent views of the city and harbor, while learning how the fort once defended the settlement from attack. The central courtyard is another highlight, often hosting ceremonies, markets, and cultural events that bring the historic space to life.

Inside the Castle, several museums and exhibitions showcase Cape Town’s layered history. The William Fehr Collection displays period furniture, paintings, and decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries, offering insight into colonial life at the Cape. Other exhibits focus on military history, the Dutch East India Company, and the Castle’s changing role over time, from fortress to administrative center and prison.

Daily ceremonies add to the visitor experience. The traditional Key Ceremony, held in the late afternoon, reenacts the symbolic locking of the Castle’s gates, while the firing of the noon gun (on selected days) reflects long-standing military traditions.

The Castle is closely linked to South Africa’s military history. It has been continuously occupied by military forces for more than 300 years - first by the Dutch East India Company, later the British, and eventually the South African military. Many British officers, including those involved in the Napoleonic Wars, lived and worked here after Britain took control of the Cape in 1806.