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Discover Cape Town, a modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature and one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. Find your freedom in Cape Town with stunning beaches, biodiversity, food, wine, activities and more.
- Overview
- The character of the city
Cape Town, city and seaport, legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Western Cape province. The city lies at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula some 30 miles (50 kilometres), at its southernmost boundary, north of the Cape of Good Hope. Because it was the site of the first European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town is known as the country’s “mother city.”
Cape Town has a beautiful setting: parts of the city and its suburbs wind about the steep slopes of Table Mountain (3,563 feet [1,086 metres] high) and neighbouring peaks and rim the shores of Table Bay; other parts lie on the flats below the slopes or stretch southward across the flats to False Bay. The city covers an area of 116 square miles (300 square kilometres). Pop. (2005 est.) urban agglom., 3,103,000.
The city of Cape Town had its origin in 1652, when the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station for its ships on the shores of Table Bay. The location was magnificent, on well-watered, fertile soil, beneath the precipitous walls of Table Mountain. The indigenous inhabitants provided cattle but not labour, and the company imported slaves, mainly from East Africa, Madagascar, and the Bay of Bengal area. The slaves brought with them something of their culture and—especially in the case of the Muslims from the East Indies—their religion. Mixed-race unions took place, but strong racial and ethnic characteristics remained. In 1781 the French established a garrison to help the Dutch defend the city against British attack, and the French presence influenced local architecture and culture. British occupation in the 19th century brought new parliamentary and judicial concepts and freedom for the slaves. Cape Town was the gateway to Europe’s penetration of the South African interior, and close ties with continental Europe were maintained.
Today Cape Town is a modern city with high-rise office buildings and pedestrian malls. Although it is a major political and economic centre, its reputation still rests on its beautiful situation between mountain and sea, its cosmopolitan population, and the liberal outlook of many of its citizens.
Britannica Quiz
World Cities
- Eric Axelson
Saiba tudo sobre a Cidade do Cabo, na África do Sul: documentos, aeroporto, transporte, segurança, hospedagem e atrações. Confira também um roteiro de 5 dias em Cape Town com dicas de passeios e restaurantes.
Discover Cape Town, a beautiful city with diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes. Explore attractions, activities, events and tips from Lonely Planet experts.
Cape Town é o ponto de partida perfeito para explorar a beleza natural e a vida selvagem da África do Sul. Por isso, selecionamos alguns roteiros que, na Terramundi, consideramos como viagens essenciais para quem quer conhecer o país e a região sem se deixar enganar pelo turismo de massa.
Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa: See Tripadvisor's 849,685 traveler reviews and photos of Cape Town tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Cape Town. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Cape Tourism is a website that showcases the best of Cape Town, from its stunning scenery and culture to its wine and cuisine. Find out what to do, where to stay, and how to get around in this vibrant city.
