It has been drenched in controversy in recent months, been vandalised during the #RhodeMustFall protest and is the subject of much debate, but one thing is absolutely certain – the view from Rhodes Memorial is absolutely breathtaking.
Erected in 1912, ‘Rhodes Mem’ stands proudly on the slopes of Devils Peak, offering incredible vistas of the city to those who visit it. For decades, the memorial has been a popular site for tourists and locals alike.
Seeing it for the first time is absolutely magical – something that does not diminish over time. The high columns tower around you, leaving you in awe, the stairs and lion statues create great symmetry and nothing prepares you for the stunning views of the city, both oceans, and the Hottentots Holland mountains.
You can’t help but bask in the glory of the city as it stretches before you. Every inch of the place is a photographer’s (read: serial Instagrammer’s) dream. In fact, it is so picturesque, many people opt to have their wedding and graduation photographs taken there. It is a great place to spend a few hours, appreciating both nature and man’s wonder.
For the more active people out there, there are great hiking routes from the memorial that are sure to get your heart pumping. But if you just want to just laze about and take it all in, there is a nice little lawn on the side of the memorial, where you can have a picnic and relax. There is also a quaint little restaurant and tea garden, situated just behind the memorial, where you can enjoy a great meal while overlooking the city.
As for the man the memorial was built for, Cecil John Rhodes; he was admired by few and disliked by many. Last year, the bust that sits at the centre of the memorial was vandalised, with its nose being removed. Regardless of how you feel about Rhodes himself, the memorial has in some ways transcended the man and become a place to enjoy our beautiful city.
OF NOTE
When Summer at 7:30 am to 7 pm and Winter at 8 am to 6 pm
Where Newlands, above The University of Cape Town
Cost Free entrance
Contact [email protected]
Photography courtesy Michael Mottram and Rhodes Memorial Facebook
wonder when the thugs are gonna destroy that place
Not the same anymore!
Western cape looking at SA as it is now ; it will be a shame to try to destroy the cape as well ; last of the provinces. Still worth living in
I always loved going to Rhodes Memorial with my mum for tea, a favourite place of hers.. But I agree, it’s sad, it’s not the same anymore… !
For who is it worth living in? Definitely not for the majority of the province’s people.
Some people just doesn’t understand value!
Plus the restaurant best food and view’s
Norman Engelbrecht the majority of the people of the province, and those still migrating here for a better quality of life, tend to disagree with you.
Wat soek jy dan hier Sing die liedjie skipskop en tata
I’ll put a shack there
THAT “VIEW MUST *NEVER* FALL” !!!!
GOD FORBID !!!!!!!!
I’ll place a shack there
In spite of all the controversy this memorial stands out like a beacon to remind us of our past, no matter how much some people would love to erase it. It stands out like a beacon of light to remind us of the past
So go live in another province
Memories of being a student, youth and energy for those stairs! Today best city run by the DA!!
Why? This is South Africa and anyone can live and associate with whomever they want. This province does not belong to anyone or any group.
A little timelapse I did last year at Rhodes Memorial https://youtu.be/qFFXSebA4MU
You can bet on that..one of Cape Town’s greatest landmarks…
you will soon see how some people come and destroy it. they mess up everything but we just gotta live with it. talk about ”a better life for all”
This is really awesome!
Thank you Cape Town Etc 🙂 just a little side hobby i do
here is a few of my timelapses put together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR4GZziJ4JE
Wonderful site wonderful memories
If they could burn down the view, they would do it!
One of the best views of this wonderful city, ever.
I dont agree with Hannetjie, the Memorial is still standing and the restaurant is absolutely great, good food and service
Agree with you!!
Ah yes when the scholarship still existed
…and you can’t judge history by the morals and standards of today. Leave the building alone and enjoy the view. Just look forward.
Kathleen I was born in mowbray ; lived in Observatory my whole childhood ; left CT to MP mines for 33 years ; born CT will pass on in western cape ; love CT
Jealousy won’t make a better person of you. Put your shack there please.
Tomorrow I’ll do that
Avril Dames We think so too! Love it up there.
“he was admired by few and disliked by many”. True, he certainly was only admired by a few and disliked by soooooo many.
Many fond memories:-)
The view from here.
AWESOME
Its beautiful up there!
#Garry Gary Murray
I loved Rhodes Memorial a fantastic stamina builder after a long fast run to Constantia turning at Bishop Tutu house and doing 10×100 metre sprints a sure fire way to keep you fit U0001f44aU0001f44dU0001f603
Beautiful setting, but the statue of Rhodes has been defaced and has not been repaired. I visited the memorial on Monday (18/01/2016) ; it was sad to see such pointless vandalism.
N groot vrymesselaar teken
In my opinion one of the most underated tourist spots in Capetown and reastaurant offer a very good on the go breakfast at around R50 comes with lots of toast!
Awesome awesome views it takes me back to my student nursing days at Grotties spending lunchtimes there
Enjoy before it too falls
Really great
Who is responsilble for the upkeep of this monument? It is a major, although underrated tourist attraction and should be maintained and restored properly.