STELLENBOSCH

BEING the second oldest town in the country, Stellenbosch is steeped in history. The town’s most historical avenue is the beautiful, oak-lined Dorp Street. The street has been declared a national monument as it has one of the longest rows of surviving old buildings of any major town in southern Africa.

Dorp Street was the original wagon road between Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and most of the buildings have also been declared national monuments. Even some of the oldest oak trees have been declared national monuments. Early settlers were encouraged to plant oak trees all around the town, hence the name “oak town” for the purpose of shade and beauty. And historians suggest that the wood from the trees were used to make barrels for maturing wine in and as firewood.

It is suggested that you start your walk at the top of Dorp Street where it meets with the R44. It is a lot quieter on this end and the architecture is best viewed here. The Old Lutheran Church dates back to 1851 and now houses an art gallery. Just off Stellentia Road is the Rupert Museum if you have time for a detour.

At the top of Dorp Street you may have time to double-back on Drostdy Street to view the Moederkerk and a few more buildings and sites of interest or perhaps just relax at restaurants, delicatessens, cafés and coffee shops, and leave the rest for another day.