Monday, June 15, 2009

Graaff Reinet

Graaff Reinet is the 4th oldest town in South Africa and is the Gem of the Karoo. The town lies 750 metres (2,500 ft) above the sea and is built in a horse shoe on the banks of the Sunday's River, which rises a little farther north on the southern slopes of the Sneeuberge. The town is quite an interesting one with a big amount of historical buildings and museums that has been restored over the years. It is also home to the biggest succulent nursery in the world. Like Grahamstown, this is one of my favorite old towns to explore.
The Dutch Reformed church in the town is a prominent stone building in the main street with seating accommodation for 1500 people. The building is a reproduction of the Salisbury Cathedral.
The picture was used by Paul du Plessis on The duPs as one of the photos to illustrate his poem Afrikaner Journey.

3 comments:

  1. This is a great town to visit and spend a quiet weekend - You will feel relaxed after spending a few days here.

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  2. I had not expectations the first time I visited this town but fell in love with it. The whole area is so beautiful!

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