The History of Durbanville and the Tygerberg
Durbanville Winelands, Cape Town North |
When Jan van Riebeeck arrived in the Cape and began exploring inland, the patterns in the vegetation gave the hills to the North East a striped appearance - so they were called Die Tygerberg (Tiger Mountain) – not because of the more romantic story that leopard were seen and were thought to be tigers.
Durbanville began as the first overnight stop (outspan) for wagons headed out of Cape Town. In 1825, local farmers petitioned to build their own church and a small village grew up around the outspan and the church – called Pampoenkraal. In 1836 the name was changed to D’Urban but to prevent confusion with Durban in Kwazulu Natal, it was renamed Durbanville in 1886.
The village grew rapidly from the turn of the century and by 1970 became a Magisterial District with its own courthouse and goal. The courthouse complex still exists within the Rust-en-Vrede complex, although the town is now part of the Bellville District.
Despite the fact that Durbanville has grown tremendously in the past 30 years, it retains a considerable individuality and character with a rural atmosphere and architecture. |
Places To See In Durbanville
Onze Molen
In 1840 a mill was built and was used as a windmill until the early 1900s when the roof, wings and machinery were removed. It was then used as a horse mill until it became derelict and was turned into a labourer’s cottage. In 1963 it was restored based on Mostert Mill (near UCT).
Location
High Street
Aurora
Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery
The gallery is situated in an old Cape Dutch complex dating back to 1850 and is set in a beautifully landscaped garden.
Location
10 Wellington Road
Durbanville
Tel +27 21 9764691
Fax +27 21 9750468
OPENING HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 08:30 - 12:30
Rose Garden
Well laid out gardens, displaying a wonderful variety of roses. Lovely to lie on the lawns and breathe in the fragrances. There is a pleasant tea-room to complete the experience
Nature Reserves
Clara Anna Fontein
Nature Reserve
Both a nature reserve and greater Cape Town’s only game reserve. Home to 11 species of animal and one of the few remaining Renosterveld regions in the Cape.
Racecourse
Nature Reserve
A mix of Renoster and Mountain Fynbos – overlooking the Durbanville Polo Club and Racecourse
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve
A gentle walk from the environmental centre to a shaded picnic area with spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain
Entertainment | Wine and Dine
Theatre where it all comes together. Situated at the Willowbridge Shopping Centre.
Location
Cabaret and performers centre offering shows once or twice a week. 28 Van Der Westhuizen Street
Durbanville
Tel: 021 975 5280
Shopping
Sport
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Guest House |
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