Castle of Good Hope

"The Dutch East India Company built this pentagonal fortress in the late 17th century to protect its burgeoning Cape Colony, and the British later used part of it as a prison with a torture chamber. Several ghosts reportedly wander the grounds, including that of a tall man walking along and falling from the ramparts, and that of Lady Anne Barnard, who once entertained important visitors to the fort. Another curiosity: The bell in the bell tower sometimes rings all by itself, despite being blocked off by bricks hundreds of years ago. Visitors can tour the fort and learn more about South African history in the Cape Heritage Museum." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"In Cape Town, we built out the Castle of Good Hope to serve as our Port of Quidah."

"Fearing a British takeover of its ill-gotten trading post, the Dutch East India Company built this star-shaped castle (known as Kasteel de Goede Hoop) between 1666 and 1679 to defend its territory. Now the oldest building in South Africa, the castle served as the center of Cape Town 's civilian, political, and military life. The austere facade opens up to a striking central lawn and commanding buildings that, in their restored form, represent Dutch, English, and French architectural styles. History buffs will go nuts here: Check out the William Fehr Collection, the African pottery exhibit, and the Castle Military Museum."

"A sprawling building near the shoreline of Table Bay, the Castle of Good Hope is a 17th-century site that draws large crowds. Daily tours tell the rich history of the colonial building, which dates back to 1666. There are a number of elements to see, from the prison cells to the governor's house to the gruesome torture chamber. There's a lot to take in, so make the most of the experience by booking a guided tour." - Mary Holland

"We don't know too much about this place; care to kick us off?A sprawling building near the shoreline of Table Bay, the Castle of Good Hope is a 17th-century site that draws large crowds. Daily tours tell the rich history of the building, which was built by the Dutch East India Company as a fort and replenishment station for ships, and dates back to 1666. It's the oldest colonial building in the country. Sounds cool. So, what kinds of things are we going to see here?There are a number of elements to see, from the prison cells to the governor's house to the gruesome torture chamber. It's a lot to take in, so make the most of the experience by booking a guided tour. Hm, a guided tour...can you tell us a little more about those? What's included?Regular guided tours run throughout the morning and afternoon, but the key ceremony—unlocking the entrance of the castle by the ceremonial guards—and the canon firing both take place at set times in the morning. If you can't make these, don't write off the experience; do, however, carve out time for a guided tour. Keep an eye on the calendar for events like festivals and concerts. Alright, duly noted. Any other practical advice you can offer?Wear a good pair of walking shoes. Although you won't be trekking long distances, you will be moving around. Got it. Oh, and if there's a gift shop, is it worth a stop? Is there anything in particular we should pick up?You can pick up locally made items at the gift shop, but it's not worth the trip alone. Good to know. How about the café? Or should we hightail it somewhere else to eat?There's an in-house deli, but it's nothing to write home about—especially not in Cape Town, one of the greatest food cities on the continent." - Mary Holland