| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Cape Town. |
Cape Town History
|
|
The city of Cape Town reflects
a history rich in contrasts, governors and slaves, reformers
and missionaries, empire builders and ordinary people who became
extraordinary role models for a new democratic nation. Cape
Town located in South Africa is a city that has numerous historic
sites and buildings that have played a significant role in its
history. The oldest existing building in Cape Town is the Castle
that was built in 1666, to protect the new settlement at the
Cape. |
Nowadays the Castle operates as a museum with artifacts dating
back to the 17th century. Another building a part of Cape Towns
history is the Slave Lodge. The Slave Lodge is the second oldest
building in South Africa and has served many purposes in its existing
three centuries. Originally built as accommodation for the slaves
of the Dutch East India Company, it was also Cape Town's first post
office, a library and the Supreme Court. Today it is home to the
SA Cultural History Museum and its displays of ceramics, toys, silver
and textiles from Cape Town's past, as well as artifacts from ancient
Egypt, Greece and Rome. Cape Town is home to many descendants of
the Malay slaves brought to the Cape during the 17th century. Many
residents and many families in Cape Town are devout Muslims, and
prayers can be heard throughout the streets during the day.
Africa went through many changes, but a significant year for Africa
was 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president. Mandela worked
hard for peace awareness, and stood up against racism. Due to his
public speaking and traveling across countries he was able to make
a difference not only for his country but other countries as well.
Cape Town nowadays offers the best climbing, surfing and cultural
sites in the world. Even though it still has a long way to go in
terms of the economy and being technologically well off, it has
made huge improvements since its earlier days. Traveling to Cape
Town today, it is hard to realize, and picture a place that was
once terrorized by the affects of slavery and oppression. Today,
people full of life and freedom fill the streets, living vibrant
and energetic norms of daily Cape Town life.
More Information
 www.state.gov
|
|
|
Cape Town Travel Guides
Frommer's Cape Town
Lonely Planet Cape Town
Let's Go Cape Town
Fodors Cape Town
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
