- Address of place : South Africa, prov. Western Cape, Cape Town, the center
Grand Parade - the famous central square of the capital. It was at this site that the most significant historical events took place in the history of South Africa . The square together with the Castle of Good Hope and the Town Hall create a wonderful architectural ensemble.
History of the Grand Parade
Since the 17th century, from the very first days of the development of these lands by Dutch settlers, the square is in the center of the life of the city. Originally, a small wooden fort was built here, which was then demolished to make room for the construction of a new, stone castle.
On the square, meetings, military exercises, and public punishment were held regularly. In the early 19th century, the square became the site of weekly auctions held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since then, fairs in the central square are an integral tradition of the city.
In 1879, the size of the Grand Parade area significantly decreased due to the construction of the railway station.
On this site, the annual celebrations of the birthday of Queen Victoria, the end of the Anglo-Boer War in 1902, the emergence of the Union of South Africa in 1910 were celebrated on a grand scale. In 1990, from the balcony of the City Hall, Nelson Mandela addressed the people for the first time after being released from the 27-year imprisonment . And on May 9, 1994, he delivered his famous speech already as the president of the country.
Grand Parade in Cape Town today
Today, on a busy square that has the shape of the right square, there is a city market and parking, various meetings, concerts and festivals take place, meetings are scheduled. In the middle of the square there is a bronze monument to the English king Edward VII, under which the British crown considerably expanded its territories due to the lands reclaimed from the Boers. In 2010, before the 19th World Cup, a thorough reconstruction was carried out. Redecoration of buildings was carried out, two rows of trees were planted, new lighting and communications were installed.
The successful location of the square allows you to choose as a background for your photo a view of the sea coast, or on the majestic Table Mountain , towering a few kilometers from the town hall.
How to get there?
The Grand Parade is near a good traffic junction. A bus terminal and a central railway station are across the road. Tourists arriving at the international airport, 22 km from the center, can use the services of public transport, incl. commuter train, or taxi, the prices in which are more than moderate.
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