Cape Town's first safe harbour was constructed in 1860 when a breakwater was built with Queen Victoria's husband (consort to be posh), Prince Alfred, being there to ceremoniously tip the first load of stones into the sea. It was named the Alfred Basin. After a while that harbour became too small and the Victoria Basin was built. By the mid-1900s the Victoria and Alfred basins were unable to cope with large container ships and they fell into a state of disrepair after the Duncan and Sturrock Docks were built.Then in 1988 work began on the restoring of the Waterfront, and today it is primarily a shopping, eating and entertainment venue - the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (Pty) Ltd - although it continues as a working harbour for small vessels.
This is the restored Port Captain's Building.
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Cape Town Time
One of the things I like about memes, such as ABC Wednesday, is coming across posts like yours about historical sites that I would never ever know about. As I read your post, I can for a moment imagine myself there. Thanks for the trip. :-)
ReplyDeleteNifty building. I expected more Victoria this week, actually.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I love the V&A Waterfront. Here by us there has been talk of a waterfront on the harbour for many many years, but Portnet just doesn't want to hear any of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information! I am looking to travel to Cape Town. I was initially scared because I wondered whether Cape Town is safe, but resources like this have helped me make up my mind to go.
ReplyDelete