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.

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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.

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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.

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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 

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46 Comments
  • Brent Webber
    Brent Webber
    January 19, 2016 at 10:04 am

    wonder when the thugs are gonna destroy that place

  • Hannetjie Jordaan
    Hannetjie Jordaan
    January 19, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Not the same anymore!

  • Brian Stewart
    Brian Stewart
    January 19, 2016 at 10:16 am

    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

  • Kathleen Chapman
    Kathleen Chapman
    January 19, 2016 at 10:20 am

    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… !

  • Norman Engelbrecht
    Norman Engelbrecht
    January 19, 2016 at 10:24 am

    For who is it worth living in? Definitely not for the majority of the province’s people.

  • Taryn Gabriels
    Taryn Gabriels
    January 19, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Some people just doesn’t understand value!

  • Merle Bruyns
    Merle Bruyns
    January 19, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Plus the restaurant best food and view’s

  • Stephen Titus
    Stephen Titus
    January 19, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    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.

  • Ockert Brits Snr
    Ockert Brits Snr
    January 19, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Wat soek jy dan hier Sing die liedjie skipskop en tata

  • Mmeli Ncitha
    Mmeli Ncitha
    January 19, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    I’ll put a shack there

  • Desiree Appels
    Desiree Appels
    January 19, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    THAT “VIEW MUST *NEVER* FALL” !!!!
    GOD FORBID !!!!!!!!

  • Mmeli Ncitha
    Mmeli Ncitha
    January 19, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    I’ll place a shack there

  • Delaine Barendse
    Delaine Barendse
    January 19, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    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

  • Charlie Newcombe
    Charlie Newcombe
    January 19, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    So go live in another province

  • Alice Kriel
    Alice Kriel
    January 19, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Memories of being a student, youth and energy for those stairs! Today best city run by the DA!!

  • Norman Engelbrecht
    Norman Engelbrecht
    January 19, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    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.

  • Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    January 19, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    A little timelapse I did last year at Rhodes Memorial https://youtu.be/qFFXSebA4MU

  • Rosalia Mosca
    Rosalia Mosca
    January 19, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    You can bet on that..one of Cape Town’s greatest landmarks…

  • Dilin D Vlotman
    Dilin D Vlotman
    January 19, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    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”

  • Cape Town Etc
    Cape Town Etc
    January 19, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    This is really awesome!

  • Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    January 19, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    Thank you Cape Town Etc 🙂 just a little side hobby i do

  • Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    Shadley Skam Kamaldien
    January 19, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    here is a few of my timelapses put together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR4GZziJ4JE

  • Keith Drake
    Keith Drake
    January 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Wonderful site wonderful memories

  • Tilda Balt
    Tilda Balt
    January 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    If they could burn down the view, they would do it!

  • Zondra Hoffmann
    Zondra Hoffmann
    January 19, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    One of the best views of this wonderful city, ever.

  • Avril Dames
    Avril Dames
    January 19, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    I dont agree with Hannetjie, the Memorial is still standing and the restaurant is absolutely great, good food and service

  • Cecilia Engelbrecht
    Cecilia Engelbrecht
    January 19, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    Agree with you!!

  • Robyne Chabant
    Robyne Chabant
    January 19, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    Ah yes when the scholarship still existed

  • Judy Beyer
    Judy Beyer
    January 19, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    …and you can’t judge history by the morals and standards of today. Leave the building alone and enjoy the view. Just look forward.

  • Brian Stewart
    Brian Stewart
    January 19, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    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

  • Elbie Strauss Dorman
    Elbie Strauss Dorman
    January 19, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    Jealousy won’t make a better person of you. Put your shack there please.

  • Mmeli Ncitha
    Mmeli Ncitha
    January 19, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    Tomorrow I’ll do that

  • Cape Town Etc
    Cape Town Etc
    January 19, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Avril Dames We think so too! Love it up there.

  • UPhumeza Wase Mazizini
    UPhumeza Wase Mazizini
    January 19, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    “he was admired by few and disliked by many”. True, he certainly was only admired by a few and disliked by soooooo many.

  • Isabel Fortune
    Isabel Fortune
    January 19, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    Many fond memories:-)

  • Vaishali Patu Naran
    Vaishali Patu Naran
    January 19, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    The view from here.
    AWESOME

  • Annelene Crafford
    Annelene Crafford
    January 19, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    Its beautiful up there!

  • Toni Smith
    Toni Smith
    January 20, 2016 at 12:08 am

    #Garry Gary Murray

  • Gary Murray
    Gary Murray
    January 20, 2016 at 12:24 am

    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

  • Johannes Kock
    Johannes Kock
    January 20, 2016 at 2:20 am

    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.

  • Chris Brits
    Chris Brits
    January 20, 2016 at 5:51 am

    N groot vrymesselaar teken

  • Clive Cox
    Clive Cox
    January 20, 2016 at 7:39 am

    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!

  • Kulsum Benjamin
    Kulsum Benjamin
    January 20, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Awesome awesome views it takes me back to my student nursing days at Grotties spending lunchtimes there

  • Igsaan Sirkhotte
    Igsaan Sirkhotte
    January 20, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Enjoy before it too falls

  • Charlotte DeKlerk Strachan
    Charlotte DeKlerk Strachan
    January 20, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Really great

  • Johannes Kock
    Johannes Kock
    January 20, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Who is responsilble for the upkeep of this monument? It is a major, although underrated tourist attraction and should be maintained and restored properly.

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