A trip to Cape Town shouldn’t go without seeing a few historical monuments. And churches and cathedrals often top the list.
While it’s not exactly like Europe’s larger-than-life cathedrals, Cape Town doesn’t do too badly with its own fair share of these centuries-old gems.
For any architecture or art lovers exploring the Mother City, here are four must-visit churches and cathedrals to add to your itinerary.
St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral is in Wale Street in Cape Town’s city centre. It is the Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese. It is also known as the “People’s Cathedral” due to its contribution to the resistance during apartheid.
It opened in 1834 and became a cathedral in 1847. However, the cathedral as it is now was rebuilt and designed by architect Herbert Baker in 1901. Its original design was according to the design of St. Pancras Church in London.
Groote Kerk
The Dutch Reformed church on Adderley Street in Cape Town dates back to 1678. However, it was reconstructed by Herman Schutte and reopened in 1841. Interestingly, it houses one of South Africa’s largest organs with almost 6000 pipes! Additionally, its bell tower is one of the oldest architectural church structures in South Africa and has been ringing since 1704.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Standing as one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in South Africa, St. Mary’s Cathedral is on the corner of Hope Street and Roeland Street in Cape Town. It used to be called the “Cathedral Church of St. Mary of the Flight into Egypt”. It opened in 1851 and was designed by the German architect Carl Otto Hager.
Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church on Strand Street in Cape Town is known as one of the oldest, built in 1771. It was originally purported to be a warehouse where Martin Melck held secret church services. It was reportedly turned into a Lutheran church in 1791-1792. It was also declared a National Heritage Site in 2017. You will also find beautiful sculptures from the German sculptor Anton Anreith, notably the pulpit, among others.
While there are many more amazing churches throughout the Cape, each with its own historical significance and age-old tales worth visiting, the above-mentioned churches and cathedrals are merely a few you can find if you’re exploring the Mother City and would like to get a taste of the architectural influences and styles from throughout history.
