Stellenbosch Travel Information:
Stellenbosch,
the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, was founded
by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel in 1679
and named after him – “the bush of Van Der
Stel”.
Of all the towns founded in the Cape during the Duch
East India Company’s period of control, Stellenbosch
is the best preserved.
Unfortunately a fire devastated the town in 1710 –
the first of three fires which were to destroy numerous
thatched homes in the town. The town was quickly rebuilt
and several still dated from that period.
The most beautiful Stellenbosch homes, however were built
in the period between 1775 and 1830.
The ‘town of oaks’, as Stellenbosch is proudly
known, is a haven for tourists who have time to savour
the atmosphere of this unique and fascinating town while
strolling along streets lined with oaks trees and water
furrows. Stellenbosch is a historical university town,
rich in Cape Dutch architecture, set in idyllic surroundings
in the heart of the winelands along the Eerste river which
flows out of the mountains surrounding the fertile Jonkershoek
Valley.
Stellbosch places of Historical Interest:
In Dorp Street, lined with houses, cottages and shops,
one finds one of the longest rows of old buildings surviving
in any town in southern Africa. Many of these buildings,
as in the case in other parts of the town, are now run
as shops, restaurants and even an inn.
The Burgerhuis on the Braak, the historic village green
of Stellenbosch, is furnished to recreate the atmosphere
of elegant living as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Built as a private dwelling in 1797, the Burgerhuis is
a good example of Cape Dutch architecture.
Oude Meester Brandy Museum is in Old Strand Road and
has valuable exhibits telling the story of brandy in South
Africa since 1672
Van Rhyn Brady Cellar is located on the outskirts of
the town and shows the visitor the modern process of distilling
of brandy.
The Stellenryk Wijn Museum in Dorp Street depicts the
history of wine from two thousand years ago and houses
a priceless V.O.C collection of drinking glasses.
Present day Stellenbosch contains many charming restaurants,
bistros, antique and curio shops dotted in among the small
back streets.
A charming revival of shopping in a bygone era is ‘Oom
Samie se Winkel’ which is located in lower Dorp
Street. A paradise for browsers.
The area boasts a mild climate through out the year and
is a prime destination for both national and international
tourists.
The Stellenbosch District is home to over 106 wineries
which have accumulated over 70% of all awards received
by South African wines.
Many Wineries have vineyard tours and facilities for
tasting, an exciting event for the expert and beginner
alike.
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