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The star-shaped stone bastions of the Castle of Good Hope in central Cape Town

City Tour Highlights

The Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope, built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Its five-pointed star-shaped design was a state-of-the-art European fortification of its era; today it houses several museums, the William Fehr Collection and hosts a daily Key Ceremony.

Cape Town City Tour Back to City Tour Highlights
  • Built1666–1679
  • DesignFive-pointed star fort
  • WhereCorner Buitenkant and Darling streets
  • Time needed1.5–2 hours

Why visit The Castle of Good Hope

The oldest surviving building in South Africa and the physical starting point of colonial Cape Town.

Home to the Castle Military Museum, the William Fehr Collection of Cape furniture and art, and the daily Key Ceremony and Cannon Firing.

Where The Castle of Good Hope is

Corner of Buitenkant and Darling streets on the eastern edge of the CBD, next to the Grand Parade.

What to expect

Guided tours through the five bastions, the Governor's residence (the Kat Balcony), dungeons and torture chamber.

Daily Key Ceremony at 10:00 and 12:00, and the historic cannon firing.

How to include The Castle of Good Hope in a Wanderer private tour

A visit to the Castle is a natural anchor for the historical portion of a Wanderer private city tour, paired with the Grand Parade, City Hall and District Six.

Practical tips

  • Guided tours are the best way to see it — 60–90 minutes.
  • Time your visit around the Key Ceremony.

Frequently asked

Questions about The Castle of Good Hope

Plan your trip

Include The Castle of Good Hope in your Wanderer private tour

Share your dates and interests and we'll design a private route around The Castle of Good Hope — with a professional guide, a branded Mercedes vehicle and every logistical detail handled.

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Cape Town Highlights — updated regularly