Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.
Cape Town has a rich history that can be viewed and explored through its excellent museums and natural attractions. Cape Point, which is in the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, forms part of the Cape Floral Region, which is a World Heritage Site.
The museums and historical landmarks focus on the city and the country’s political past. In addition there are numerous natural history museums, social history museums, town museums and art museums that will please visitors with special interests. Find out more about Cape Town’s and the heritage of the Cape Point Route by visiting some of its treasured town museums with world class exhibitions and displays.
The Simon’s Town Museum
This museum depicts the history of the Simon’s Town community, past and present, with an emphasis on the town’s diversity of origins, cultures and religions. The building has a long history, having been used as a hospital, post office, school, customs house, police station, gaol and magistrate’s court. One of the most popular exhibits is the Just Nuisance Room. More info…
The Fish Hoek Valley Museum
This private museum has displays on Peers Cave, local Fish Hoek history and the local environment. Fish Hoek is home to an early Stone Age site where the remains of Fish Hoek man’ were found & the interpretive displays are of historical significance. There is also information on whales and dolphins & the whaling industry. More info…
The South African Naval Museum in Simon’s Town
The South African (SA) Navy Museum in Simon’s Town contains a host of continuously expanding exhibits and naval associated artifacts. It’s filled with vintage navigational and Navy divers equipment, ship and submarine models. If you like tales of naval battles and heroism on the high seas or if you are curious about what the inside of a submarine looks like, then head for the SA Navy Museum – but you will have to resist the urge to ring various brass bells scattered around the museum. More info…
Rhodes Cottage Museum
This small seaside cottage in Muizenberg is where Cecil John Rhodes spent his last days at the relatively young age of 49. Rhodes was an industrialist, imperialist, mining magnate, politician and philanthropist. You’ll see photos, clippings and caricatures revealing the man behind the legacy. Well worth a visit for those interested in Rhodes and Cape history. Also a fine indigenous mountainside garden. More Info…
Het Posthuys Museum in Muizenberg
Het Posthuys is the earliest building on the False Bay Coastline – built in the late 1600’s as a lookout post for enemy ships entering False Bay. Het Posthuys features early photographs of Muizenberg & information on Battle of Muizenberg. More info…
The Battle of Muizenberg Historical Site
The Battle of Muizenberg site is an historical open air site on the mountain slope above Muizenberg and has breast and stonework remnants belonging to the actual battle in 1795! Views from the site allow you to imagine 4 tall ships sailing close to Muizenberg beach. More info…
The Hout Bay Museum
The Hout Bay Museum in Andrews Road gives visitors an insight into the natural and cultural history of Hout Bay from prehistoric times to the growth of the fishing industry. Hout Bay’s people, forestry, mining & fishing industries are all displayed in the museum. . More info…
If also feels fitting to make sure you have been introduced to the fabulous Casa Labia Cultural Centre in Muizenberg. One simply has to visit – the cafe, the gallery or the Casbah boutique. Follow them for details on cultural events programme and loads more!
Be sure to make a booking for an evening of entertainment at the Kalk Bay Theatre… a proudly independent theatre with top quality entertainment, set in an old church from 1876.
Cape Point Route loves History (& penguins!)
Cape Point Route also offers day tours, packages, accommodation, activities and car hire in Cape Town’s south peninsula in addition to teambuilding events in Cape Town. Call 021 789 0093 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za
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