Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, the town, ideally situated in a magnificent mountain valley, boasts a mild Mediterranean climate and is the ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands, Cape Town, the Peninsula and the many tourist attractions that the area has to offer.
Stellenbosch is without doubt one of the prettiest little towns in the whole of South Africa. Situated at the head of the Eerste (First) River Valley, it was one of the first valleys to be settled in. The area is full of charming scenes and rich in history. The towns, villages and farmlands contain finely preserved examples of one of the most serene forms of domestic architecture found anywhere in the world – the Cape-Dutch style.
Today’s Stellenbosch still pays homage to culture and heritage, as the town has done since its humble Dutch origins. Each new generation of architects, buildings and town planners used the inspiration of their predecessors to ensure that the aesthetic values of Stellenbosch remained intact. The result is that to this day, the influence of many architectural styles over the last three centuries are to be seen in the meticulously restored buildings throughout the town.
From the whitewashed Anglican church and museums surrounding the emerald green Braak – Stellenbosch’s historical centre – to the myriad Cape Dutch farmhouses and the 19th century university buildings, the town exudes history and good taste.
This visual effect of Stellenbosch is enhanced, compounded by the fact that the town is surrounded by spectacular mountains and some of the world’s most famous vineyards adding to the town and region’s attractiveness to the local and international tourist.
Another major characteristic for Stellenbosch being such a popular destination is its vibrancy. Stellenbosch is in an idyllic setting but is also a bustling student town filled with busy people pursuing endless professions, as well as students studying at the world-renowned Stellenbosch University.
Surrounding area
The town of Stellenbosch is surrounded by sprawling vineyards, with over a 140 Wineries open to the public. Cape Town city centre is a mere 40km from Stellenbosch and the International Airport a 25-minute drive. The beautiful towns of Somerset West, Franschhoek and Paarl are our neighbours.
What to do and see
When you are in Stellenbosch it is well worth spending an hour or two walking the historic trail. If you are not that keen on walking – specialist tour operators and guides offer the following tours, Winelands, Cultural Township Tours, Cape Town & Surrounds, Cape Point, Whale Watching in nearby town of Hermanus, Adventure (Shark Cage diving, Abseil, Bungee jumping, etc.) Garden Route ……. and many more.
What to eat
Stellenbosch has some of the top-rated restaurants in the country and offer a wide variety to suit all tastes and budget. The town is also well known for its coffee shop culture with many small coffee shops and deli’s located in quaint old buildings and along the oak lined streets of Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch University
The University of Stellenbosch is recognised as one of the top four research universities in South Africa and has one of the country’s highest proportions of postgraduate students, of which almost ten percent are international students. – See more at: www.sun.ac.za
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