Castle of Good Hope. Picture: X
In the heart of Cape Town sits the Castle of Good Hope, a fortress that has guarded the city for almost 370 years. More than just South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building, it’s a place where centuries of history, culture, and stories meet.
Today, the Castle is entering a new chapter. A large-scale restoration project is underway to preserve its structure and refresh its surroundings. Visitors in the coming months may notice:
- Roofs being waterproofed.
- Cracked window panes will be replaced.
- Peeling walls will receive a fresh coat of the Castle’s original yellow paint.
- Old water pipes are being fixed and security systems are being restored.
- Overgrown gardens and vegetation between the bastions are being cleared, restoring the historic beauty of of the grounds
- These efforts aim to ensure that the Castle continues to welcome future generations, not as a relic of the past, but as a living monument.
As reported by IOL, the work is being carefully timed with the Cape’s rainy season. According to CEO Calvyn Gilfellen, “Most of the work can only proceed when the wet weather is completely behind us, and being a 369 year-old building; normal, modern building techniques and protocols do not often apply here, leading to time-lags and delays.” That being said, it seems the most significant improvements will become more visible as summer approaches. Hopefully by the end of the year, visitors can expect to see the Castle of Good Hope in better shape than it has been in decades.
Still, the Castle remains open to the public throughout the restoration. Guests can wander through its five bastions, admire the Dutch colonial architecture, and take in sweeping views of Table Mountain. Inside, museums and exhibits highlight the layered history of the site – from its early days as a military stronghold to its present role as a cultural landmark.
For travelers, the Castle of Good Hope is more than just another stop on a city tour. It’s a chance to step inside the oldest building in the country, to stand where history unfolded, and now, to witness its renewal firsthand. As it undergoes restoration, the Castle is not just preserving the past – it’s also opening the door for visitors to rediscover its place in Cape Town’s story.
Written by Zoe Erasmus
First published by Getaway
Also see: Cape Town claims spot among world’s best cruise ports