This weekend is the Slow food market at Oude Libertas. Promising good food, good wine and good company it is surly an event not to be missed!
Some info:
We will bring to the World the finest and largest selection of the Cape winelands local foods, restaurants, fresh produce, award-winning wines, original design, art and authentic South African entertainment, all in one stop. Spot the green wrapped oak trees... the Oude Libertas is the place to be to enjoy the true celebratory spirit of Africa!
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Paarl Accommodation
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Historic Cape Town Architecture
Cape Town’s old buildings tell a story of the city’s diverse cultural roots and the influences that have helped to make it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan destinations. They also reveal the superb design talents of three leading architects who, in the 18th and 19th centuries, came together in the Cape to transform the landscape of the inner city.
Today, the influences of these world-class draughtsmen, as well the architectural styles throughout the centuries, are strongly felt throughout the city centre and further afield. Dutch, French, Victorian, German Baroque and French neo-classicism are some of the most enduring styles still found throughout Cape Town, and many old buildings have been carefully maintained and restored to preserve the intricate designs.
Take a stroll through the heart of Cape Town, or travel into the scenic Cape Winelands, to discover the ornate architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, and the influence of the Dutch, French and British settlers to the Cape.
The architects who shaped the Cape
Towards the end of the 18th century, three of the world’s top architects of the time were brought together in the Cape. Their designs not only became the definitive architecture of the Cape, but are mostly still in existence today, more than 200 years later.
Anton Anreith, a German-born sculptor and woodcarver, was sent to the Cape as a solider in the Company’s service in 1777. A few years later, Parisian architect Louis Michel Thibault arrived in the land, serving as an officer in the French garrison. Anreith is widely credited with introducing the German Rococo style to the Cape, while Thibault, an architect in the neo-classic style of the French, was highly regarded as a leading draughtsman in South Africa. In 1790, German architect Hermann Schutte arrived at the Cape, and together, the three young and highly talented men set about designing and constructing the rich architecture of this prosperous era.
Anreith’s Lutheran Church and Kat Balcony
Anreith, initially employed as a carpenter, quickly gained favour as a talented designer, and in 1786 became the master sculptor of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He also earned the commission to reconstruct the facade of the Lutheran Church, located in Strand Street, and many believe him to be responsible for sculpting the famous Kat balcony at the Castle of Good Hope. It was here that declarations were made, official visitors were welcomed, and judicial sentences were read. Today, it leads to the renowned William Fehr collection housed in the Castle.
Thibault’s public buildings and iconic Groot Constantia
Thibault, too, enjoyed an illustrious career in the Cape, and his name is associated with many of the city’s most famous landmarks. As the VOC’s chief military engineer, he was responsible for crafting the majority of the city’s public buildings, including the Good Hope Masonic Lodge, the present-day Slave Lodge facade, and the iconic gables at Groot Constantia. He also designed the homestead and wine cellar of this famous Cape Dutch wine estate, as well as the several other buildings, manors and facades in and around the Cape.
Schutte’s Groote Kerk and Green Point Lighthouse
Schutte joined the VOC as a stonemason, but was discharged after losing an eye and a hand in a blasting accident on Robben Island. This led to a lucrative career as a private building contractor, in which he was awarded many commissions by Thibault. Schutte designed South Africa’s oldest church, Groote Kerk, located in Adderley Street, and is also widely credited with crafting the Green Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse erected on South African shores, and still a major attraction today.
Other historical Cape Town architecture
Many other heritage buildings in and around the Cape reveal the diverse influences of the past 300 years – in particular, the classic Cape Dutch and Victorian styles which remain a feature of modern architecture. The Cape Winelands region of the province still reflects a powerful Dutch and French Huguenot influence, both in its architecture and in its broader cultural experience. In fact, the Cape’s distinctive architecture is rooted in this lush wine-farming part of the land.
Explore Cape Town’s heritage buildings, and discover the story of the city as told by its magnificent architecture and design.
Source
This Paarl Guest House is another fine example of historic architecture
Today, the influences of these world-class draughtsmen, as well the architectural styles throughout the centuries, are strongly felt throughout the city centre and further afield. Dutch, French, Victorian, German Baroque and French neo-classicism are some of the most enduring styles still found throughout Cape Town, and many old buildings have been carefully maintained and restored to preserve the intricate designs.
Take a stroll through the heart of Cape Town, or travel into the scenic Cape Winelands, to discover the ornate architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, and the influence of the Dutch, French and British settlers to the Cape.
The architects who shaped the Cape
Towards the end of the 18th century, three of the world’s top architects of the time were brought together in the Cape. Their designs not only became the definitive architecture of the Cape, but are mostly still in existence today, more than 200 years later.
Anton Anreith, a German-born sculptor and woodcarver, was sent to the Cape as a solider in the Company’s service in 1777. A few years later, Parisian architect Louis Michel Thibault arrived in the land, serving as an officer in the French garrison. Anreith is widely credited with introducing the German Rococo style to the Cape, while Thibault, an architect in the neo-classic style of the French, was highly regarded as a leading draughtsman in South Africa. In 1790, German architect Hermann Schutte arrived at the Cape, and together, the three young and highly talented men set about designing and constructing the rich architecture of this prosperous era.
Anreith’s Lutheran Church and Kat Balcony
Anreith, initially employed as a carpenter, quickly gained favour as a talented designer, and in 1786 became the master sculptor of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He also earned the commission to reconstruct the facade of the Lutheran Church, located in Strand Street, and many believe him to be responsible for sculpting the famous Kat balcony at the Castle of Good Hope. It was here that declarations were made, official visitors were welcomed, and judicial sentences were read. Today, it leads to the renowned William Fehr collection housed in the Castle.
Thibault’s public buildings and iconic Groot Constantia
Thibault, too, enjoyed an illustrious career in the Cape, and his name is associated with many of the city’s most famous landmarks. As the VOC’s chief military engineer, he was responsible for crafting the majority of the city’s public buildings, including the Good Hope Masonic Lodge, the present-day Slave Lodge facade, and the iconic gables at Groot Constantia. He also designed the homestead and wine cellar of this famous Cape Dutch wine estate, as well as the several other buildings, manors and facades in and around the Cape.
Schutte’s Groote Kerk and Green Point Lighthouse
Schutte joined the VOC as a stonemason, but was discharged after losing an eye and a hand in a blasting accident on Robben Island. This led to a lucrative career as a private building contractor, in which he was awarded many commissions by Thibault. Schutte designed South Africa’s oldest church, Groote Kerk, located in Adderley Street, and is also widely credited with crafting the Green Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse erected on South African shores, and still a major attraction today.
Other historical Cape Town architecture
Many other heritage buildings in and around the Cape reveal the diverse influences of the past 300 years – in particular, the classic Cape Dutch and Victorian styles which remain a feature of modern architecture. The Cape Winelands region of the province still reflects a powerful Dutch and French Huguenot influence, both in its architecture and in its broader cultural experience. In fact, the Cape’s distinctive architecture is rooted in this lush wine-farming part of the land.
Explore Cape Town’s heritage buildings, and discover the story of the city as told by its magnificent architecture and design.
Source
This Paarl Guest House is another fine example of historic architecture
Thursday, May 27, 2010
South Africa's Amazing Cape Winelands
The area is known for its wonderful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town will put you in the Winelands with its marvellous mountains providing an inspiring backdrop to the plentiful vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history.
We recommend that you experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Robertson in the Breede River Valley. Stop and visit some of the many wine farms, or perhaps stroll down one of the beautifully restored streets in the historical town centres.
The excellent wines produced in this area are transported worldwide and enjoy a world-renowned reputation. The Winelands is an ideal base from which to explore Cape Town and its surrounding area. The accommodation is this area caters for all tastes so indulge yourself at one of the exclusive boutique hotels, or enjoy the hospitality of one of the many splendid guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments common throughout the area.
Constantia Wineland
If you contact the Cape Town Tourism Office it is possible to book a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Constantia winelands. En-route you can stop for refreshments, tours, or tastings at wineries such as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia or Buitenverwachting. Remember to spend some time at the Old Cape Farm Stall where you can buy fresh goods and gourmet foods.
Stellenbosch Wineland
This wine route is the oldest and largest, having the most estates, wineries and cooperatives as well as wine and cultural museums. You will need to allow plenty of time to explore this area - probably a whole week or several weekends. You can buy a map of the farms on the route from the Information Centre in Stellenbosch.
Paarl Wineland
This is South Africa's second-oldest wine route and offers self-conducted tour of the historic Backsberg Estate's cellars and brandy pot stills but don't be tempted as you are being watched on camera! Alternatively take a guided tour of the sprawling KWV cellars. Further along the route are Zandwijk, where South Africa's only kosher wines are made, and Fairview farm, famous for its cheeses.
Wellington Wineland
This historic route with its museums and old churches is the centre of this "off-the-beaten-track" route, exemplified by the small, family-run wineries. At Bovlei you can even have your own wine label designed and made for you. North of Wellington is the lovely Brian's Kloof Pass.
Klein Karoo Wineland
Believe it or not this is the route to see ostriches and vines side by side. Viticulture has boosted the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, and is practised at farms round Calitzdorp, Swellendam, Ladismith and Montagu. Don't miss the excellent quality flagship ports of Boplaas Estate.
Franschhoek Wineland
This picture postcard village is known as the food and wine capital of the world boasts 8 out the top 100 restaurants in South Africa. The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along this French-influenced wine route are properly known, lie in a beautiful valley and many have historic homesteads, such as Boschendal, La Motte and L'Ormarins. If you are short on time then you can always taste the Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative wines at the wine-tasting centre in Franschhoek.
Worcester Wineland
This triangular route stretches from Villiersdorp in the south to Woseley and Worcester in the North. Along the way you will discover wineries such as the Brandvlei and Merwida cooperatives. Worcester itself offers many other attractions such as museums and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Garden situated just four kilometres outside the town.
Robertson Wineland
The lime-rich soils of the region play an important part in producing the well-balanced wines of the Robertson Wineland including those of Van Loveren, Weltevrede, Zandvliet and the Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous region is covered by hiking trails best enjoyed in the spring. It's also famous for being the birthplace of some of the country's greatest racehorses and a nursery for roses.
| Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Riggien | |
If you are interested in visiting the Cape Winelands have a look at this Paarl Country Guesthouse.
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