For much of history, South Africa was home to diverse communities, which were largely tribal in nature. It was not until Vasco da Gama discovered the route to India through the Horn of the Cape that any real fortifications began to appear in South Africa. While there were innumerable fortifications and Castle in South AfricaWe only focus on the historically as well as touristically important people in South Africa.
5 Palaces in South Africa You Can’t Miss
We have created a list of important forts in South Africa for you to connect with the history of this ancient and unique land. To keep an eye:
1. Fort Beaufort
Beaufort was built as a military post in 1822 as a blockhouse post close to the mission station to act as a stronghold against raids by the Xhosa. Named after Duke Beauford, father of the first Governor of the Cape Colony, the original blockhouse was demolished and in its place, Fort Beaufort was built. In 1839, the British built the iconic and first of its kind Martello Tower, which was originally used for sea defense on land and its remains can still be seen today.
Place: Fort Beaufort, Fort Beaufort City, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
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2. Fort Hare
Built in 1835 by the British Army at the foothills of Mount Amatola near the present-day town of Alice, the fort was built for use in the 8th Frontier War against the Xhosa. This part also witnessed the retreat by the British forces after they failed to lift the siege of Fort Company in 1850. It was used in various capacities during the period of South Africa’s colonialism.
Place: Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
3. Palace Kyalami
Castle Kyalami or Kyalami Castle was built in 1992 by a Greek millionaire architect Demos Dinopoulos, it was a former tourist attraction and resort until the Church of Scientology purchased it. Located in Kyalami in the Gauteng province, north of Johannesburg, it was originally built to house Demos’s extended family. The millionaire architect lived at the place for 9 years and then auctioned it off to Planet Hotels in 2001. This 22-acre property was then converted into a 4-star hotel and also hosted events like the Ika Meets Africa Fashion Show.
Place: Witport, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
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4. Voortrekker Fort
Also known as Ohrigstad Fortress, Voortrekker Fortress was built to protect the local Voortrekker families from dangerous attacks by the local Bantu people. Located in the Ohrigstad region of the modern Mpumalanga province of South Africa, the entire area was first settled by Europeans led by Andries Hendrik Potgieter. Built of dry stone walls and layers of mud bricks, most of the fort lies in ruins to this day.
Place: Voortrekker Fort, Ohrigstad, Limpopo Province. South Africa
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5. Palace of Good Hope
It is the oldest and perhaps the most important colonial building in the entire history of South Africa. The Castle of Good Hope was built by the Dutch East India Company upon their arrival on the shore of the Cape of Good Hope in 1652 and marked the beginning of the colonization of South Africa. Originally built on the ocean coast, the castle has moved inland due to land reclamation in the more than 300 years since its construction.
Place: Darling St and Buitenkent St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
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Castles in South Africa are reminders of the country’s long history. Visit South Africa for a chance to see these towering palaces. Be sure to ask your friends and family to tag along. Travels seem incomplete without human companionship, doesn’t it?
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