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capetown.gov.za. Steenbras River Gorge, Crystal Pools hiking trail bookings open 1 November
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Learn about Cape Town, the oldest city and legislative capital of South Africa, founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1652. Discover its natural beauty, cultural heritage, landmarks, and attractions, from Table Mountain to Cape Point.
Learn about the history, government, and demographics of the metropolitan municipality that forms the local government of Cape Town and surrounding areas. The article covers the evolution of the city from 1839 to 2022, and the different local authorities that existed before the current unified system.
1 day ago · Planned water maintenance. Report a fault. Annual beach lowering at Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Gordon’s Bay and Bikini Beach. From Tuesday, 1 October 2024, the City of Cape Town gets off the ground with its annual beach lowering programme.
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- The character of the city
Cape Town, city and seaport, legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Western Cape province. The city lies at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula some 30 miles (50 kilometres), at its southernmost boundary, north of the Cape of Good Hope. Because it was the site of the first European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town is known as the country’s “mother city.”
Cape Town has a beautiful setting: parts of the city and its suburbs wind about the steep slopes of Table Mountain (3,563 feet [1,086 metres] high) and neighbouring peaks and rim the shores of Table Bay; other parts lie on the flats below the slopes or stretch southward across the flats to False Bay. The city covers an area of 116 square miles (300 square kilometres). Pop. (2005 est.) urban agglom., 3,103,000.
The city of Cape Town had its origin in 1652, when the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station for its ships on the shores of Table Bay. The location was magnificent, on well-watered, fertile soil, beneath the precipitous walls of Table Mountain. The indigenous inhabitants provided cattle but not labour, and the company imported slaves, mainly from East Africa, Madagascar, and the Bay of Bengal area. The slaves brought with them something of their culture and—especially in the case of the Muslims from the East Indies—their religion. Mixed-race unions took place, but strong racial and ethnic characteristics remained. In 1781 the French established a garrison to help the Dutch defend the city against British attack, and the French presence influenced local architecture and culture. British occupation in the 19th century brought new parliamentary and judicial concepts and freedom for the slaves. Cape Town was the gateway to Europe’s penetration of the South African interior, and close ties with continental Europe were maintained.
Today Cape Town is a modern city with high-rise office buildings and pedestrian malls. Although it is a major political and economic centre, its reputation still rests on its beautiful situation between mountain and sea, its cosmopolitan population, and the liberal outlook of many of its citizens.
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World Cities
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Aug 30, 2024 · Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Centred around Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, the Mother City is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, award-winning food and wine, and sheer variety of experiences on offer. Destinations. Activities. Plan Your Trip.
Oct 31, 2023 · 14 Best Things To Do in Cape Town. The real question here is what can't you do in Cape Town. This is a city brimming with adventure, culture, and culinary arts. Start your day with a morning...
