Castle of Good Hope in South Africa. Photo credit:Pinterest
Castle of Good Hope, South Africa
Constructed by the Dutch in 1679, the Castle of Good Hope is one of the few remaining colonial structures in the whole of South Africa. The current structure replaced an earlier fort that was built with clay and timber. The complex now comprises of a church, bakery, living quarters, shops, cells, workshops, among other amenities.
Initially, the castle was situated on the coastline of Cape Town but the continued land reclamation around the area has rendered it an inland fort. Before 1936, when it officially became a historical monument, the castle used to serve as a refill point for vessels to and from Europe. It also served, albeit briefly, as a prison.
Over the years, the castle has undergone numerous restorations that have kept it in great shape and state. Actually, it is considered the best-preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort. The distinct shape of the pentagonal castle was used on all South African Defense Force flags, formed the basis of some rank emblem of Major and used on South African Air Force aircrafts.
