Amazing Places in Cape Town
Capital of South Africa Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Today, we describe in detail about the places you should pay attention to the most visited tourist city in South Africa in the first place.
National Park “Table Mountain”
In 2011, one of the winners of a worldwide survey on the definition of the new seven wonders of nature became a national park, located in the territory of which the principal symbol of Cape Town. Legend of the creation of nature, the apex of which is remarkably similar to a flat surface dining table, tells us that this miracle was formed from touching the hand of the Lord. Smooth plateau, towering at 1086 meters above sea level, is surrounded by a haze: mixing, two ocean currents, warm and cold, cover Table Mountain air white cloth. Scientists claim: a unique natural world of the National Park gathered the largest concentration in the world of rare species of flora and fauna. Each of the state-protected parts of this picturesque place is attractive in its own way. From the observation deck at the top of Table Mountain offers excellent views of the coast and lying at her feet, Cape Town, in the Bay of boulders live spectacle African penguins, Cape of Good Hope is the extreme south-western tip of Africa, Cape Point at Cape installed famous lighthouse of Good Hope – one of the most photographed sites in the world.
Castle of Good Hope
Many unsolved mysteries and chilling stories associated with the oldest in South Africa lock. Back in 1653, when in the place of a good stone structure built by the glorious traditions of the Dutch architectural classicism, simple wooden fort was the first of the local governor Jan van Riebeeck, there in front of everyone inexplicably moved Bible. Two hundred years later, the gloomy castle, on whose walls are uniformly powerful ocean waves beat, became a ghost wandering sad lady in gray hood. The name and fate remain unknown mysterious lady: uninvited guest kept silence. She stopped either wall or distance: using immured secret passage, according to legend, connecting the Castle of Good Hope, and the governor’s mansion, she has appeared in the city of his monastery. Another Troubled Spirit bastions are soldiers already in the 20th century: they say that the huge figure suddenly appearing in the tower above the main gate, is the governor of Van Nordt, known for his cruelty. Now the castle is the headquarters of the armed forces of South Africa, and most of his dungeons and rooms allocated for the National Museum of Military History and filled with antiques, is open to visitors.
Wine farm “Groot Constantia”
The story goes: the first barrel “nectar of the gods” came out wineries South Africa February 2, 1659. Much water has flowed since then: African country that produces nearly one billion liters of wine a year, was among the ten leading manufacturers and exporters in the world. Was no easy way of winemaking in the hot continent hundreds of years, farmers who created the wine for its own needs, do not bother any technology improvements or quality improvement. Accordingly, with the export business not argue: despite the excellent properties of grapevine local wine could not compete with the European. Only in the 19th century, the process went on well in difficult times for France, South Africa managed to enter the international market. If you appreciate good wine, having not only good taste, but also the glorious history, look at the country’s oldest winery ‘Groot Constantia. ” Drink Muscat d’Alexandrie, born on plantations farm founded in 1685 in Cape Town Governor Simon van der Stel, hit the spot even Napoleon. You can not just buy a bottle, capable of creating the right atmosphere romantic evening, but also to see firsthand the process of making the best of South African wines.
Robben Island
A small island located 12 kilometers from Cape Town, can be considered a deathtrap. Many ships wrecked on the rocks of Robben Island, many living beings met their deaths on this strip of land. And 400 years ago, the place seals slaughtered mercilessly white aliens took another colony – leprezory. When leprosy patients were moved to other remote corners of civilization, had visited Robben and psychiatric hospitals, and prisons, and military bases. Day after day, year after year, doomed to death and deprivation of prisoners digging limestone quarries and lost vision in tiny, like a closet, KD cells. The most famous prisoner of the prison was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his life behind bars prison near Cape Town. Every day brought a fighter for human rights all new sufferings, tempering, but not breaking it: like other black prisoners, he received a meager portion of food, and had the right to only one letter and one visit a year. Robben Island is now a museum under the open sky and listed as a UNESCO. In addition to the grim stories and oppressive atmosphere, it is known ancient cemeteries ages 17-18, from the Second World monuments and rich wildlife.
Malay Quarter
Colorful houses, shining with all the shades of color palette, winding streets dating from the mid 18th century, and a dozen colorful mosques – that appears before the guests spellbound Cape Malay Quarter. But for bright fronted semi-detached houses built in the Dutch and English styles, hiding many tragic stories. Closed community of the Cape Malays formed from slaves brought from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia, and professed Islam. Having freedom, they were engaged in trade and craft, and at the same time and settling in their own city, dubbed the Bo-Kaap. Due to prevailing poverty around, Malays have used every opportunity of realization – and appeared bright home decorating any photos. Stroll through the streets of Bo-Kaap, leading to Signal hill on which were mounted cannon announce the storm. Look in the African kingdom of beads in the store or enjoy tasting Monkeybiz original Malay cuisine at Kombius. Bo-Kaap – it’s a great opportunity to learn about non-European Southern African life, combining harmoniously the traditions of East and West.
Moderately warm weather, which is perfect for sightseeing, is set in Cape Town just in April. A few months later here comes the rainy season, and will travel around the city is not as comfortable as it is today. Also in April, prices for hotels is quite low, as in all other things to do. So hurry up!
