TOP BUILDINGS IN THE CAPE TOWN CBD
What are the top buildings to see in the Cape Town cbd? Aside from the obvious Castle of Good hope (shown right), and City Hall, there are lesser known gems such as the Koopmans de Wet and the Jewish Museum.
1. KOOPMANS DE WET HOUSE
Built in the mid-18th century in the Neoclassical style, with sliding-sash windows that can be regarded as a Cape Dutch influence. It was acquired by the de Wet family in 1809.2.CAPE TOWN PARLIAMENT
Built in 1884, it was originally designed by Charles Freeman. When Henry Greaves took it over, he omitted some of the expensive redundant elements like a large dome in the centre and many water fountains. Sir Herbert Baker designed some additional elements. Regarded to be in the Neoclassical style, some also classify it as Victorian.
3. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL GALLERY
Founded in 1930, it was designed by Clelland and Mullins with FK Kendall. Windows are very few, but there are some sliding sash windows. The pitch roof and quoined corners give the building an Italian feel. Some decorative columns add a slightly Roman influence. Stylistically difficult to classify, the architecture proportion and balance are of a high quality.
4. CAPE TOWN CITY HALL
Considered an Edwardian building which is a type of Victorian style architecture, it was built in 1905 entirely from oolitic stone imported from the UK. Previously used for the offices of the City of Cape Town, it is now a cultural centre housing art and music events.
5. THE COMPANY GARDENS STATUE
At the heart of the company gardens lies a statue consisting of two male figures and a horse, resting on eight classical columns. It commemorates soldiers who fought in France at Delville wood and also in World War II. Unveiled in 1930.
6. TUYNHUIS
Built in 1682 by Governer van der Stel overlooking the company gardens. It was originally to be the official residence of governers and later presidents of the country. Today it is used as the Presidents offices. Stylistically it began as a Cape Dutch house, but it underwent some Victorianization and other changes.
7. JEWISH MUSEUM
The musuem is housed in the first Jewish synagogue to be built in South Africa - in 1863. It was opened as a musuem by Nelson Mandela in the year 2000. It is a baroque style building with two towers.
8. ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL
This Anglican church was designed in the gothic style and built in 1901, from sandstone quarried from Table Mountain.
9. MARTIN MELK HOUSE
This typical example of Cape Town houses was built as a parsonage for the German Lutheran church next to it in the year 1782. It has a roof attic room known as a "dakkamer" that was typical of the period, but this is the only example to survive. Martin Melk was the sponsor and originator of the Lutheran church, but never lived himself in the house that bears his name.
10. BO KAAP MUSEUM
The bo kaap is an area settled by muslims Malays in the Cape after the emmancipation of slaves. The bo kaap museum is the oldest of the houses there, and has an early Cape Dutch style with a curved baroque parapet hiding a flat roof. The home has been furnished according to style of a Cape muslim family.
MORE SIGHTSEEING IN THE CAPE>
10. ZEVEWACHT
HERITAGE FARMHOUSE
Over 500 genuine Cape Dutch style houses dot the Boland surrouding Cape Town. Click the NEXT button to view more on these and other superb architecture sightseeing attractions.
