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Stellenbosch, the centre of the Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch, which is 45 km from Cape Town, is the heart of the Cape Winelands. It is also the centre of the oldest wine route in the country.

The town's other claim to fame, is the university, where I also spent some lovely times.

The town was named after an early governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. He loved the place and had many oak trees planted.

It is these oak trees that has contribued to the town being called Eikestad(City of oaks).

This is a town that must be explored on foot.
Fortunately many of the attractions are concentrated in a small area.

What to do

Accommodation - Search all major accommodation websites and compare rates.

US Botanical Garden
The main purpose of the garden is educational and therefore it contains both indigenous and exotic plants.
Buy organic and environmentally friendly products or eat at the restaurant.

Katjiepiering Restaurant, US Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

The Katjiepiering Restaurant in The US Botanical Garden

Die Braak
Die Braak is the village green that was once used for military parades and festivals.

Dorp Street
The oak-lined Dorp Street has the longest row of historic buildings in the country.

Moederkerk
A church was built in the Neo-Gothic Architectural Style. This is the second oldest congregation in South Africa.

Moederkerk, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Oom Samie se Winkel
An old shop restored to resemble the trading stores of old. Tel: 021 8870797.

Samie se Winkel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Oom Samie se Winkel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Sasol Art Museum
This museum is housed in the US museum and houses a permanent collection of over 3000 art works belonging to the University.

Sasol Art Museum, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

The Sasol Art Museum is housed in the old Bloemhof school

Stellenbosch Wine Route
The oldest Wine Route in South Africa. Enjoy fine wines and great food.

Toy & Miniature Museum
The museum houses a collection of 1:12 scale miniatures, room boxes, miniature houses, antique dolls, cars and cuddly toys.

You will also see an extremely detailed and lifelike miniature of South Africa 's famous Blue train.

Stellenbosch Toy & Miniature Museum, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Van Ryn's Distillery and Brandy Cellar
Here you can get an insight into the history and development of brandy in the Cape area.
Also view the distillation process and witness coopers making maturation barrels in the traditional manner.

Village Museum
The Village Museum comprises of four houses each representing a different period in the architectural development of Stellenbosch.

Grosvenor House, Stellenbosch Village Museum, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Grosvenor House - Stellenbosch Village Museum

The V.O.C Kruithuis
The V.O.C Kruithuis is unique in South Africa as it is the only remaining powder magazine in the country dating from the days of the Dutch East India Company.
It houses a wonderful collection of 17th century signalling cannon as well as other items representing the military history of the town.

V.O.C Kruithuis Museum, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

The V.O.C Kruithuis Museum

Great hotels in Cape Town

Ambassador Hotel	Derwent House Boutique Hotel
Blackheat Lodge	Four Rosmead Guesthouse
An African Villa	Steenberg Hotel
Kensington Place Hotel	Cape Grace Hotel
Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel	Mount Nelson Hotel