Rhodes Memorial

The floodlit Rhodes Memorial, a tribute to Cecil John Rhodes, stands on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, on the Northern flank of Table Mountain.

The memorial was built in 1912 on the very place where Rhodes used to sit and contemplate his future and was financed by the citizens of Cape Town.

Rhodes Memorial, Cape Town Culture, Cape Town

Photo by Mervyn Hector

It was built as recognition for all that Rhodes had accomplished, and the very considerable contribution he had made to the development and increasing prosperity of Southern Africa.

Built with granite, the monument was designed by Sir Francis Macey and Sir Herbert Baker.

The eight lions, cast by J.W Swan, were modeled upon those protecting Nelson column in Trafalgar Square, London.
They are a Tribute to Rhodes’ wish to have real lions roaming his "African Wildlife Garden" for all the citizens to enjoy.


The Memorial Photo by Krokodil 23	The view from the memorial Photo by Krokodil 23

The dynamic "Statue of Energy", rearing at the foot of the 49 steps, (one for each year of his life), was a tribute to the drive and determination of Rhodes.
There is an identical statue in London in the Kensington Palace Gardens.

Inscriptions

The inscriptions were composed by Rudyard Kipling, a great friend of Rhodes, and engraved on the pedestal supporting his bust are the words:

The immense and
brooding
Spirit still
shall quicken
and control
Living he was the
Land And Dead
his Soul shall be
her Soul

Carved into the frieze above his bust are the words:

To the Spirit and Life Work of
Cecil John Rhodes
who Loved and Served South Africa

1853 - 1902

Today the Rhodes Memorial is a national landmark, providing a magnificent view over the airport and the Cape Flats to the Stellenbosch and Hottentots Holland Mountains.

The restaurant has excellent food and is very popular over weekends.
It is open daily for breakfast and lunch.

Enjoy a meal while the children can explore the memorial and the surrounding forest.