In 1652, under the command of Jan van Riebeeck, a small wooden fort was erected to guard the replenishment station (The Company's Garden) of the Dutch East India Company. By 1664 trouble was brewing between the British and the Dutch, and so over the next 15 years the massive pentagonal stone Castle of Good Hope came into being. As the finishing touch, a 300 kg bell was installed which was used to alert the citizens of impending danger and simply to announce the time. The castle is now the oldest and still one of the most impressive buildings in South Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Castle Military Museum
- William Fehr Collection (furnishings and paintings)
- Bakhuys (bakery)
- the beautifully restored Dolphin Pool
- the elegant Lady Anne Barnard Room
- an ancient Castle forge
- the dungeon and torture room

GUIDED TOURS
Mon to Sat 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00

KEY CEREMONY:
- unlocking of the Castle & firing of the cannon
- weekdays 10:00 and 12:00

ENTRANCE FEES:
- Adults R20.00
- Pensioners R15.00
- Students R10.00
- Children R10.00
- Half price on Sundays

ADDRESS:
Castle Street, Cape Town CBD

TEL:
Tel: (021) 787-1249

HOURS:
Daily: 09:00-16:00