This museum houses the remains of an early-18th-century cannon battery, one of several fortifications the Dutch built around Table Bay. It was partly demolished and covered over during the construction of the docks in 1860, but an excavation of the site in 1999 revealed the remains. You can walk around the entire site and get a good feel for what it would have originally been like.

Historical walking tours of the Waterfront start from here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Clock Tower

0.05 MILES

This red-and-grey Victorian Gothic–style building, dating from 1882, is from where the harbour master used to control the comings and goings in the docks.

2. Diamond Museum

0.06 MILES

Really an extended sales pitch for the bling on sale in the attached Shimansky Jewellers, the displays at this museum have nonetheless been put together…

3. Old Port Captain's Office

0.06 MILES

This beautiful gabled building, dating from 1904, was built for the Port Captain, whose office was previously located in the Clock Tower across the 'cut'…

4. Nelson Mandela Gateway

0.07 MILES

Tours of Robben Island depart from this complex. Even if you don’t plan a visit to the island, it’s worth dropping by the museum here, with its focus on…

5. Nobel Square

0.11 MILES

Here’s your chance to have your photo taken with Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Larger-than-life statues of both men, designed by the artist Claudette…

6. Maritime Centre

0.12 MILES

This small museum, stocked with model ships, houses the John H Marsh Maritime Research Centre (www.rapidttp.co.za/museum), a resource for those interested…

7. V&A Waterfront

0.15 MILES

This historic working harbour has a spectacular setting and many tourist-oriented attractions, including masses of shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and…

8. Cape Wheel

0.15 MILES

What was supposed to be a temporary attraction at the Waterfront has proved so popular that it's been made a permanent fixture. Your ticket gives you four…