Castle of Good Hope description and photos - South Africa: Cape Town (Topic)

Castle of Good Hope description and photos - South Africa: Cape Town. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Castle of Good Hope.

Photo & Description

The Castle of Good Hope is located next to Cape Town's main train station. It is a perfectly preserved fort built by the Dutch in January 1666 to support and protect the spice trade from the East Indies.

Until the middle of the 17th century, the Portuguese dominated the spice trade. But by alliance with the Spanish crown in a war with the Dutch in 1580, the Portuguese empire became a suitable target for the Dutch. In those days, trading activities were very dangerous and risky, not only because of piracy, possible shipwreck and sickness of sailors, but also because of the spice trade itself, which could simply go bad. The best way to manage these risks is to form a cartel.

Since its inception, the bastion has experienced many hardships. He was constantly under threat of demolition for personal and material gain. But all these years the Castle of Good Hope remained the center of life on the Cape. The fort served as the food station for the Dutch East India Company, and also defended logistical and financial interests on the Spice Route. The Castle of Good Hope was desired by sailors who spent up to 6 months on a voyage, calling Cape Town the `` Tavern of the Seas. ''

The fort is built of gray-blue stone with small inserts of small yellow brick and is a unique example Dutch classicism of the 17th century. The moat enclosing the bastion was previously part of the castle's defensive system, but was modified during the restoration in 1992. On the pediment, you can still see the coat of arms of the United Netherlands, which depicts a crowned lion sitting on its hind legs, holding seven arrows of unity.

In the 20th century, the castle was the headquarters of the South African army in the Western Cape. Its five-pointed image is applied to the flag of the South African troops, and is also the basis of some of the insignia of the military.

Today, six flags waving at the entrance to the castle, crowning it throughout history, ranging from the Dutch to modern the flag of the Republic of South Africa.

In 1936, the Castle of Good Hope was included in the list of national monuments of South Africa.

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Topic: Castle of Good Hope description and photos - South Africa: Cape Town.