The Castle of Good Hope (Dutch: Kasteel de Goede Hoop; Afrikaans: Kasteel die Goeie Hoop) known locally as the Castle or Cape Town Castle is a bastion fort built in the 17th century in Cape Town, South Africa. Originally located on the coastline of Table Bay, following land reclamation the fort is now located inland. In 1936 the Castle was declared a historical monument (now a provincial heritage site) and following restorations in the 1980s it is considered the best preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort.
Built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679, the Castle is the oldest existing building in South Africa. It replaced an older fort called the Fort de Goede Hoop which was constructed from clay and timber and built by Jan van Riebeeck upon his arrival at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. Two redoubts, Redoubt Kyckuit (Lookout) and Redoubt Duijnhoop (Duneheap) were built at the mouth of the Salt River in 1654. The purpose of the Dutch settlement in the Cape was to act as a replenishment station for ships passing the treacherous coast around the Cape on long voyages between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).
Monday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Friday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Daniel Kristiansen Cash | Feb 20, 2018
Really enjoyed the Castle of Good Hope. Some areas could use restoring but it's still beautiful. Plus the exhibitions were interesting and we'll put together. Our tour guide was great and took us all over the castle highlighting important areas. This combined with the spectacular views of Table Mountain makes this we'll worth the R50.
glenda malinda | Jan 6, 2018
Beautiful part of the cape history . Tour guide excellent in explaining the history of the castle . The memorabilia and the artifacts and painting are from earlier era. If u enjoy walking then this one for you. Oh if u like history you enjoy this one in particular the dungeon. There gift shop and fast food available.
Yvonne Wills | Feb 8, 2018
It was lovely. The items very well displayed. There was a guide well versed in the history. What was disturbing was to see the number of painting which were missing. And other artifacts which balance the history rather than skewering it in one direction
Kevin Dunn | Jan 22, 2018
It was alarming to see this historic monument slowly deteriorating. Having visited it about 10 years ago, and then today, the signs of neglect are visible everywhere. For example, broken windows, garbage, unfinished repairs, algae growth in the fountain, and a hatch that was supposed to protect old artifacts was lying open on one of the bastions. I can understand that money is in short supply however, and now that the change has happened in the government, I hope some investment is made in something as historic as this castle. The tour by the enthusiastic guide was factually spot on and informative. The signage in 3 languages is also much appreciated.
Sne Shozi | Feb 4, 2018
Nice place in Town. Next to transport hub. Can buy great stuff from the local vendors at a cheap price. Close to shopping malls and food places. You get to see old great architecture from the city of Cape Town.
Esta Claassen | Mar 11, 2018
The Castle of Good Hope is one of the most eventful historic buildings in South Africa. I often wonder though how many people actually notice all the hidden "treasures" of the old structure, like for example the tales that the wooden prison doors tell. It's hard to imagine what the inhabitants must have gone through and sometimes I wish I was able to time travel, to experience a bit of those times. The carvings don't tell complete tales, but it leaves enough room for one's imagination to do the rest. Well worth a visit, although the buildings do need some renovation.
Meagan-Chanell Snyman | Mar 27, 2018
Was extremely interesting and educational. Learned a lot about the history of Cape Town, how the Dutch lived at the castle and where slaves were kept when they weren't working on Robin Island. Entry fee was R50 including a tour. There are also 3 museums in the castle you can visit for free. Will be going again in the future and I hope to be able to explore some more of the castle!
Catherine Trimble | Mar 16, 2018
Very interesting. The military museum & information boards looked updated improved since I was there 2 years ago. The canon display on the hour, & the guard procession at 10am were very entertaining. We had booked a guide & she was excellent!
Maria Carolina Costa e Silva | Mar 12, 2018
We've been there twice and its always impressive to see. The construction itself is amazing, and the pottery exhibition is very nice too. Our 9 years old boy loved the canons and to learn more about SA history and battles.
Andrea van Tonder | Apr 20, 2018
Well kept and maintained with staff who are passionate about what they do and are extremely well informed and very friendly. Quite an amazing sight, a great deal of need-to-know history, especially if you are from South Africa, but just as interesting for tourists, to gain a bit of perspective of our past. The guided tour was very informative and covered most of the castle. There is quite a bit of very interesting intricacies within the castle and the yard. A good, informative, interesting, and fun history lesson.
Raymond | Apr 18, 2018
An intriguing part of SA history. Best to go at opening hours to avoid crowds. There is some detail lacking on housekeeping and maintenance that needs attention. One would also like to see better discipline with staff uniform including the coffee shop, etc. Still a top destination and a must see.
Shaheeda Fryddie | Apr 4, 2018
Castke of Good Hope is an attraction to many who visit Cape Town. It's unique stone structure that has withstood the test of time against all weather circumstances, really stands out. As you enter the city centre it is right there for new comers to the city to see. Over the centuries, very little has been changed. The interior has been restored , but not commercially modified. The dungeons and corridors leading to it, is still original. Scary! As it is part of South African ancient history, schools take learners to visit the Castle so they can see it as it is described to them in their text books Tourists are fascinated by its majestic appearance from the outside and queue to get inside. Castle of Good Hope is one of it's kind in South Africa, unique to Cape Town
Amanda Fourie | May 28, 2018
A truly interesting and fascinating place. We went here on Sunday while on holiday so it was pleasantly quiet, not too many people, but sadly we didn't get to see the Key Ceremony or have the Cannon Fire (these events take place everyday, except Sundays). The entrance is really cheap and includes an optional guide tour, which is really great, and then you can wander about everywhere. There's information boards by all the historically significant areas. There's a few wonderful museums which have very informative pieces. It's a lot of reading, of you try to read about all the items, but it's really fascinating to learn about our country's past. The place seems to be well kept and is clean. I think they are quite busy trying to fix everything and keep it maintained. Definitely a place to visit if you're interested in art and in history.
Wimpie Bouillon | Jun 5, 2018
Good day. If you are nostalgic person that find history fascinating be sure to visit the castle of good hope in Capetown. This place is packet with history and absolutely gorgeous. It is preserved as good as possible to give you a idea of how it was in that time. i would advise on finding a guide as you get there to explain all the history, without one you might pass a lot of artifacts with interesting background and may not get the complete experience . hope this helped and hope you have a good time visiting.
Michael Saayman | Jul 17, 2018
It was not what I expected. It was much more interesting. One get the feeling of a real fortress. Its an historic experience. It's best to take the guided tour. The 12 o'clock tour gives the best experience with a canon firing at midday.
Mario De Freitas | Jul 16, 2018
Worth a trip to see an iconic piece of history that give a view into the start of colonial life in South Africa. The tour guide spoke a bit too fast. He also made too many references to the Cape flats which was maybe funny the first time but not the 10th. The castle was neat and appear well kept, except for the very top parts by each of the 5 points which had overgrown grass and weeds. Please can you make sure that is cut as it really detracts from the experience and as a local is embarrassing to see. Tour started 25 minutes late because some of the guides didn't pitch for work apparently which wasn't great. Otherwise myself, wife and 8 year old enjoyed seeing and hearing the history. You can walk can also walk around freely if you want without a tour guide. We would have like to see the firing of the canon but that isn't done on a Sunday. They also have a little coffee shop on site if you want to sit down (it was closed by 2 on Sunday after our tour was done)
Jacques van Rensburg | Aug 16, 2018
Very historic place to visit, and is surpose to be kept in good condition, but it seems like the place is treated as if it is not even part of our countries history. On the Balcony of the Castle overlooking the edge of the castle you can see a lot of people setting up camp to sleep. I remember going to the castle when i was a little boy, and the castle was in a much better condition. I surpose it is due to lack of tourism and money.
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