Western Cape, South Africa · ZA

Stellenbosch

South Africa's second-oldest town, built under oaks

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History & Heritage

South Africa's Second-Oldest Town, Built Under Oaks

Founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape Colony, on the banks of the Eerste River, Stellenbosch became an independent local authority in 1682. The area had a much older human history: paleolithic stone tools found nearby point to occupation roughly a million years ago, and San people were established there 10,000-20,000 years ago.

French Huguenot refugees settled from 1690 and began the valley's grape-growing tradition; a fire in 1710 destroyed most of the young town. The oak trees planted through this period gave the town its nickname, 'Eikestad' (City of Oaks).

Victoria College, founded 1874, became the University of Stellenbosch in 1918, now teaching roughly 29,000 students; the Stellenbosch Wine Route, established in 1971, turned the valley's centuries-old wine farms into one of South Africa's biggest tourism draws.

Key Historical Places

Places of Significance

Dorp Street

One of South Africa's best-preserved historic streets, lined with Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian townhouses.

Cape Dutch Architecture Oak-Lined

↑ Walk it slowly — most of the house museums open onto it.

Stellenbosch Museum (Village Museum)

Four adjoining historic houses, each restored to a different era of the town's life.

Living Museum Cape Dutch

↑ Budget an hour to walk through all four houses.

VOC Kruithuis

The old Dutch East India Company powder magazine, dating from 1776/77, now a small weapons museum.

VOC History

↑ Quick stop, pairs well with a Braak walk.

Moederkerk & St Mary's Anglican Church

The Dutch Reformed 'mother church' and St Mary's Anglican Church anchor the historic centre.

Church Architecture

↑ Both are within a short walk of the Braak.

Timeline

1679
Simon van der Stel founds Stellenbosch
1682
Becomes an independent local authority
1690
Huguenot refugees settle; grape cultivation begins
1710
Fire destroys most of the town's structures
1776/77
VOC Kruithuis (powder magazine) built
1918
Victoria College becomes the University of Stellenbosch
1971
Stellenbosch Wine Route established

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