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Stellenbosch
Also known as City of Oaks
Stellenbosch (; ) is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, situated about east of Cape Town, along the banks of the Eerste River at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans and Dutch due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by its founder, Simon van der Stel, to grace the streets and homesteads.
AI overview
Stellenbosch is a town in South Africa's Western Cape province located east of Cape Town along the Eerste River, known for the oak trees planted by its founder Simon van der Stel that earned it the nickname "City of Oaks." The town sits at the foot of Stellenbosch Mountain and has historical significance as one of South Africa's early settlements shaped by intentional urban design.
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Place details
- Locality
- Stellenbosch Local Municipality
- Region
- Western Cape
- Country
- South Africa
- Population
- 96,228
Travel guide
Understand
thumb|Aerial view of Stellenbosch, showing the dramatic landscape.
Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) is about 50 km east of Cape Town and is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was named (like Simon's Town) after the former Governor Simon van der Stel. The town is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ('First River') and has some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as 'Eikestad' ('Oak City') because of its oak tree lined streets. Wines from the Stellenbosch region are known internationally and rank among the best in the world. Stellenbosch is also home to one of the country's oldest established universities with over 25,000 students. There is a bustling night life during the university term-time, with many night clubs catering for young people.
Get around
Stellenbosch is small enough that the entire city centre can easily be covered on foot. The Tourism Bureau also has a few cycles to rent. A curiosity is that there are no street signs. If you look closely you will see that the street names are indicated in yellow (in Afrikaans) on the edge of the sidewalks.
Stellenbosch is not safe at night, do not walk around, get an uber as you will get mugged. There is no need to take taxis for safety - although if you want to eat (and drink) at one of the outlying wine estates, you'll have to.
See
thumb|The Stellenbosch Powder House, dating from 1776 or 1777, surrounded by the oaks for which the city is famous.
A walking tour of Stellenbosch provides fascinating glimpses of colonial Dutch architecture. The Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau , 36 Market St., organizes 1½ hour guided tours M-F at 11:00 and 15:00 (R80pp). Special groups can also be arranged for on request. Alternatively, buy the brochure "Historical Stellenbosch on Foot" from the Bureau for R5 and guide yourselves.
Buy
Stellenbosch is not short of tourist shops. If you are tempted to take some of the local wine home, don't forget that it will not be accepted in airline hand luggage! Oom Samie se Winkel means "Uncle Samie's Shop" in Afrikaans. The shop is situated near the lower end of Dorp Street. You will find wines from the local wine estates, antiques, confectionary, sweets, jams, furniture and curios.
Eat
~22 min read
Article
22 sectionsContents
- History
- Pre-history
- Founding and early history
- Since the 1800s
- Apartheid
- Population
- Climate and geography
- Economy
- Sport
- Viticulture and winemaking
- Stellenbosch University
- List of suburbs
- List of schools
- Transport
- Rail
- Roads
- Houses of worship
- Notable people
- Coats of arms
- See also
- References
- External links
Stellenbosch (; ) is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, situated about east of Cape Town, along the banks of the Eerste River at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans and Dutch due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by its founder, Simon van der Stel, to grace the streets and homesteads.
Stellenbosch is a popular tourist destination due to its history as the second oldest town in South Africa (dating back to 1679), its many historic buildings that are typical of Cape Dutch architecture, its location in the centre of many famous wine farms, as well as its variety of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The town is home to Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa's oldest universities, whose campus and buildings occupies large swathes of the town centre. Technopark Stellenbosch, a science park, is situated on the southern side of the town, and serves as a base for many large companies and startups, including Capitec Bank (South Africa's second largest retail bank).
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On the map
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1679 establishments in the Dutch EmpirePopulated places established by the Dutch East India CompanyPopulated places established in 1679Populated places founded by AfrikanersPopulated places in the Stellenbosch Local MunicipalityStellenboschUse South African English from August 2017Wine regions of South Africa