South Africa is a melting pot of ethnicities with a history full of predominantly tribal communities, and colonists from Europe. When South Africa became the trading route to India around the Cape of Good Hope, construction on castles or military fortifications began with the intent to protect the citizens from raiders.
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest and most important colonial building in South Africa, and a place where inhabitants once lived like true royals. Castle of Good Hope was built by the Dutch East Indian Company when they arrived on the shores of the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. The Castle of Good Hope marked the beginning of the colonization of South Africa. The castle was originally built on the ocean’s shores but has migrated inland due to land reclamation.
The Castle of Good Hope is still a military stronghold and also includes several museums. You can tour the star-shaped fortress in the middle of Cape Town on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Visit the castle during the Key Ceremony and watch the firing of the Signal Cannon.
Castle Kyalami
Built by Greek millionaire Demos Dinopoulos in 1992, the Castle Kyalami was once a flourishing showplace but is now a retreat for the Church of Scientology. Originally the hotel had a private entrance to room 11 and a spiral staircase to the kitchen. Initially, The Bastion Restaurant was a sunken lounge with a huge billiards table as the centerpiece. Next, the lounge was torn down and became hotel rooms. In 2008, the castle was purchased by the Church of Scientology and serves as a Scientology retreat.
Erasmus Castle
Erasmus Castle is known as The Haunted House or Die Spookhuis. Erasmus Castle is really a mansion sitting on a hill in Pretoria. It was owned by George Dean Erasmus and is a landmark in Pretoria. It is rumored that supernatural and ghostly encounters are common in the castle.
Construction began in 1892, and the castle fell into disrepair in the 20th century. The heirs commissioned the house to be renovated, and now tours are available. On the property, a cave exists where precolonial artifacts have been discovered. Turquoise beads found in the cave date are dated 150,000 years ago and are reputed to be from traders in ancient Phoenicia. There is also a preserved period Voortrekker home built with cow dung floor.
Destiny Castle
Destiny Castle is located in the Eastern Free State region and features a panoramic view over the valleys and mountains of the Maluti mountain range. The castle is made from sandstone and is used as a luxury hotel.
The castle imitates a Medieval Caste but in the Highlands of South Africa. The castle was finished at the beginning of the century by the Fogg family. Tour or stay at the castle and relish a working farm estate steeped in natural beauty and history.
Fort Beaufort
Fort Beaufort is not a castle but is a military tower located in the town of Fort Beaufort. The Fort Beaufort of today is a dormitory for academic staff and students at Fort Hare University. Fort Beaufort is the birthplace of South Africa politician and anti-apartheid activist Raymond Mhlaba.
The British designed the world’s only inland Martello tower or small circular Napoleonic-era designed tower. The tower was finished in 1846 and provided a howitzer mounted on the roof and has a 360-degree field of fire. The tower has been restored after being used as a public restroom. Today, it is worth touring.
Castles were historically built for protection against attacks from foreign invaders and in-country ferocious tribes. Today in South Africa, many castles are fortifications built mainly for military purposes or as hotels. Today you can tour these castles and experience a bit of South African history.
Mary Pearsall is an interior designer who specializes with modern yet mixed with rustic and vintage elements. Her passion for history (which made her research and travel a lot) and keen eye makes her sought after by various clients.