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The leafy suburb of Rondebosch is perhaps most sought after for its incredible views of Table Mountain, but also because of its architectural beauty and easy access to the city of Cape Town Rondebosch is home to the world famous University of Cape Town and the Baxter Theatre. The Groote Schuur Estate has an impressive collection of valuables and antiques once belonging to mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. Rhodes Memorial on Devil´s Peak is a memorial to honour Rhodes.
The views of the Cape Flats, False Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains are quite magnificent. On Sunday mornings you can visit the craft market on the Rondebosch Common. There is a great golf course with excellent views of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak. Rondebosch has some excellent guest houses, self-catering units and bed and breakfast accommodation establishments.
Rondebosch was where the very first permanent title of land in Africa was issued by Van Riebeeck. He named the area after a clump of thorn trees - ‘Het Ronde Doornbosjen’ - which over time, evolved into Rondebosch (round tree).
What remains of this original settlement is today central to Rondebosch - a large greenbelt, known as the Rondebosch Common and a National Monument - loved by the community and home to a number of unique indigenous plant species. Rondebosch has some beautiful examples of Victorian homes and first-rate renditions of Sir Herbert Baker architecture.
Most of the students of the University of Cape Town live in Rondebosch. The campus, which sits on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, stretches up the slopes - a landmark of the city. Other buildings of note and historical consequence include Mostert’s Mill (the landmark windmill) and the Presidential home, where Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk co-signed the ‘Groote Schuur Minute’, as a commitment to a peaceful negotiation process in 1990 - the beginning of the end of Apartheid.
Rondebosch fountains lie in the centre of the suburb, where Belmont Road meets Main, and its here you can pick up a bunch of fresh-cut flowers from the local flower seller. Rondebosch is only 5 km from the centre of Cape Town, close to the M5 and M3, and access to Cape Town's beaches and Kirstenbosch is easy.
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References
http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/rondebosch.php |
