Arch for Arch

Cape Town


Unveiled in 2017 for Archibishop Desmond Tutu's 86th birthday, this wooden arch stands next to the cathedral where the Nobel Prize winner presided as a beacon of hope and opposition during apartheid. The monument, commissioned by Design Indaba and designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, features 14 interlaced strands inscribed with excerpts from South Africa's constitution.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cape Town attractions

1. Jan Smuts Statue

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One of two statues of Jan Smuts located in the city centre, this is the more traditional interpretation of the former general and prime minister (1870…

2. Iziko Slave Lodge

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Dating back to 1660, the Slave Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa. Once home to as many as 1000 slaves, the lodge has a fascinating…

3. St George’s Cathedral

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Known as the People’s Cathedral, this was one of the few places of worship that was open to people of all races during apartheid. Classical concerts are…

4. Groote Kerk

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The highlights of the mother church of the Dutch Reformed Church (Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk) are its mammoth organ and ornate Burmese-teak pulpit,…

5. National Library of South Africa

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Facing the north end of the Public Garden, this neoclassical building is based on the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK, and holds a copy of nearly…

6. Slave Tree

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A small circular plaque in the traffic island on Spin St marks the location of the Slave Tree under which slaves are believed to have been sold until…

7. Church Square

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One of the city's most attractive public plazas is surrounded by handsome old buildings including the Herbert Baker-designed National Mutual Building,…

8. Slavery Memorial

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On Church Sq, this public art project comprises 11 low, black granite blocks engraved with the names of slaves or words relating to slavery, resistance…