Architectural, Cultural sights in Cape Town
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A
Fick House
On the northwest corner is Fick House, also known as the Burgerhuis, a fine example of Cape Dutch style from the late 18th century. Most of this building is now occupied by Historical Homes of South Africa, established to preserve important architecture.
reviewed
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B
Iziko Michaelis Collection
On the south side of Greenmarket Sq, the city’s second-oldest public space after the Grand Parade is the beautifully restored Old Townhouse, a Cape rococo building dating from 1755. It now houses the impressive art collection of Sir Max Michaelis, donated to the city in 1914. Dutch and Flemish paintings and etchings from the 16th and 17th centuries (including works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Anthony van Dyck) hang side by side with contemporary works – the contrasts between old and new are fascinating. The cool interior is a relief from the buzzing market outside on Greenmarket Square, while the relaxed Ivy Garden Restaurant in the courtyard behind is worth considering…
reviewed
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C
Bertram House
A minor diversion if you’re at this end of the Company’s Gardens is to drop by the only surviving Georgian-style brick house in Cape Town, dating from the 1840s. Inside it’s decorated appropriately to its era with Regency-style furnishings and 19th-century English porcelain. At the time of research, however, it was closed for restoration.
reviewed
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D
Natale Labia Museum
Call ahead to see whether anything is showing at this charming Venetian-style mansion, a satellite of the South African National Gallery. The house still belongs to the family of the Italian count Natale Labia who had it built in 1930 when it served as the Italian legation. The interiors are exquisite and even if it's closed the pretty exterior is worth a brief look.
reviewed
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E
Iziko Koopmans de Wet House
Step back two centuries from 21st-century Cape Town when you enter this classic example of a Cape Dutch townhouse, furnished with 18th- and early-19th-century antiques. It’s an atmospheric place with ancient vines growing in the courtyard and floorboards that squeak just as they probably did during the times of Marie Koopmans-de Wet, the socialite owner after whom the house is named.
reviewed
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F
Iziko Rust en Vreugd
This delightful mansion, dating from 1777–78 and fronted by a period-style garden recreated in 1986 from the original layout, was once the home of the state prosecutor. It now houses part of the Iziko William Fehr collection of paintings and furniture (the major part is in the Castle of Good Hope). Paintings by John Thomas Baines show early scenes from colonial Cape Town, while the sketches of Cape Dutch architecture by Alys Fane Trotter are some of the best you’ll see.
reviewed
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G
Groote Schuur
Cecil Rhodes bequeathed this historic house and its surrounding estate to the nation. It was home to a succession of prime ministers, culminating with FW de Klerk. The beautifully restored interior, all teak panels and heavy colonial furniture, antiques and tapestries of the finest calibre, is suitably imposing.
The best feature is the colonnaded veranda overlooking the formal gardens, sloping uphill towards an avenue of pine trees and sweeping views of Devil’s Peak. The tour includes tea on the veranda. You must bring your passport to gain entry to this high-security area; the entrance is unmarked but easily spotted on the left as you take the Princess Anne Ave exit off…
reviewed
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H
Iziko Michaelis Collection
On the south side of Greenmarket Sq, the city’s second-oldest public space after the Grand Parade is the beautifully restored Old Townhouse, a Cape rococo building dating from 1755. It now houses the impressive art collection of Sir Max Michaelis, donated to the city in 1914. Dutch and Flemish paintings and etchings from the 16th and 17th centuries (including works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Anthony van Dyck) hang side by side with contemporary works – the contrasts between old and new are fascinating. The cool interior is a relief from the buzzing market outside on Greenmarket Square, while the relaxed Ivy Garden Restaurant in the courtyard behind is worth considering…
reviewed