Castle of Good Hope Cape Town
Cape Town South Africa is an extremely interesting city, and is exceptionally rich in cultural heritage and its historical significance. It also has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. There are many historic landmarks and great scenic views, which attract many tourists to this beautiful town every year. Because of these diverse elements, Cape Town is the most popular tourists destination in Africa. Tourists flock there each year and stay at the best Cape Town hotels.
The Castle of Good Hope is one of the city’s most prominent historical landmarks. It is the oldest building in South Africa, having been built by the Dutch East India Company sometime between 1666 and 1679. The cast was built to replace an older establishment that had been built from clay and timber by Jan van Riebeeck when he arrived at the Cape. The original intention of both buildings was to serve as a supply replenishment station for ships as they passed up and down the coastline.
The inside of the caste housed living quarters, various workshops, a bakery and a church. It was almost a village unto itself. The walls were painted yellow because this lessened the extreme heat. There was also a wall in the interior that created a protective barrier for the citizens in case of an attack. One of the most interesting aspects of the caste is the Kat Balcony. It was designed by Louis Michel Thibault and contains sculptures by Anton Anreith. It was built in 1695 and was later reconstructed into its current form sometime between 1786 and 1790. There was a gated entry added in 1682, which replaced the former entrance by the sea. There is a bell tower that was added in 1684 and is the oldest in South Africa. In 1936 the Castle of Good Hope was declared to be a national monument.
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