Whether it’s in black, white or vivid technicolour, Cape Town is undeniably a beautiful city. It has stolen the hearts of people across the globe and especially those lucky enough to call it home.
When you think of the Mother City there are a few places that pop into your head that some would say are iconically Cape Town. Take a peak into the scenes of yesteryear in comparison to today and see just how pretty this seaside city has always been.
1. Sea Point
With a few less towering apartments to hide the picturesque mountainside and the views of the ocean, Sea Point has certainly had simpler times.
The seaside spot received its name in 1776 when an encampment of men settled in the area to escape the smallpox epidemic that gripped Cape Town at the time.
Since then its grown into a busy a bustling location that is home to one of Cape Town’s favourite walkways, the Sea Point promenade.
2. Kalk Bay
With more boats in the harbour and more people who now call it home, Kalk Bay is a colourful location with lots to do and see.
Established in the 17th century, this quaint area was originally home to lime-burners who mined nearby deposits of limestone. This gave way to its name derived from the Dutch term “chalk” which translates to limestone in English.
3. Newlands Rugby Stadium
Many a momentous occasion has been held at Newlands Rugby Stadium with Capetonians keeping fond memories of the games over the years close to their hearts.
This spot is a huge part of Cape Town’s history with its first game being held on May 31, 1890 when Stellenbosch defeated Villagers in front of a crowd of roughly 2,400 people.
4. V&A Waterfront Harbour
The V&A Waterfront has formed a central part of Cape Town’s earliest history. Jan van Riebeeck established a small jetty in the area in 1654 to provide a refreshment station in Cape Town as a stop off after long sea journeys.
Fresh water and fresh produce were given to the ships of the Dutch East India company on their lengthy journeys to their outposts in Java and Batavia. The sea and the harbour lie at the heart of Cape Town’s history.
5. Camps Bay
One thing is for sure, there are certainly a lot more houses in the Camps Bay area than when this small fishing town first began but it is nonetheless a beautiful sight.
Originally named Baai von Kamptz, after Friedrich von Kamptz, a Dutch sailor who arrived in the Cape in 1778, Camps Bay is now a famed spot for sun bathing and swimming.
6. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Name after John Chapman, a captain’s mate of an English ship called the Consent, Chapman’s Peak has changed a lot.
Over the years the famous drive has been closed and reopened many a time due to safety issues but is one of the most picturesque drives in the Cape.
7. Kirstenbosch Tea House
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has gifted many with fond memories over the years especially when it comes to the long-standing Tea House.
Almost identical to how it was when the gardens where first established this peaceful tea-sipping location is one of Cape Town’s most adored locations.
8. Table Mountain
Whether there’s a bright blue sky over it or a cloudy stormy one Table Mountain has been moving the hearts of Capetonians for decades.
It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and most certainly a landmark that the Mother City could not go without.
Pictures: Facebook/Pixabay/Twitter/Cape Town Down Memory Lane