Castle of Hope in Cape Town
Cape Town is the home of the oldest building from colonial times in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope. This old fortification was the center of the the city in the mid to late 1600s. It was built between 1666 and 1679 as a maritime replenishing station by a Dutch company. Visitors can see the Dutch influence in the coat of arms carvings in the buildings.
The Castle of Hope has endured many threat of destruction over the years but the people of the city have fought to keep this amazing landmark. It has become a feature place to visit when staying at one of the Cape Town hotels .
Visitors can catch a guided tours at specific times or just wonder through areas of the castle on their own. The Castle of Good Hope was built as a way for the military and traders to replenish food, fresh water and rest between long ocean trips between the East and Europe.
Inside the castle one can visit the military museum which has a very impressive sword collection. Walk long the balcony that was the center of announcements to civilians, slaves and soldiers during its time. Then there is the William Fehr Collection. This collection has many historical paintings and furniture that was the in high fashion at the time.