Our History -

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Our History

While the hotel dominates the square, this historic area is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops - so you don’t have to wander far to satisfy your needs.

  • The Vine

  • The Vine

    Like many houses of the day, it was centred around an intimate courtyard. A grapevine, planted in this courtyard in 1781, still flourishes today, bearing fruit and shading guests who shelter here for their daily repast. Thanks to vigorous pruning each year, the oldest known fruit-bearing grapevine in South Africa survives without ever being fed or watered!

    EXPLORE MORE
    1771 date planted
    20 litres of wine a year
History of Hotel

Our historic roots run deep into the 18th Century. The Cape Heritage Hotel is an integral part of the restored Heritage Square, which is bordered by Buitengracht, Hout, Bree and Shortmarket streets. The earliest Dutch and Georgian houses were built in 1771. The Cape Heritage Hotel itself was built in the 1780′s. Archival research shows that most of the original buildings were used for commercial reasons. Tobacconists, snuff makers, gunsmiths, bakers, coach makers and wheelwrights prospered here. There was a rope warehouse, several retail outfits, a boarding house, a chapel and an undertaker.

In the 1960′s, the square was earmarked for demolition.

In its place, there were plans to establish a multi-storey car park. Luckily, finances to complete this project were never forthcoming. Instead, at the end of the 1980s, consent was granted to renovate the square, starting the largest private conservation project the city has ever known. For more information on the restoration of the square, visit the Cape Town Heritage Trust’s website.

Many historic features are still clearly visible in the hotel. Exposed original wall finishes and murals are complemented by dëcor that reflects Cape Towns diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Preserving the legacy

The current owner, Victoria Engelhorn, is dedicated to preserving the history of the hotel and square, complementing it with modern South African art. Wherever you go, there is a story to be told, which is why we offer tours around the hotel and square.

Tours of the Hotel and Heritage Square can be arranged by contacting us on +27 21 424 4646 or info@capeheritage.co.za

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