|
|
The database query failed.
Graaff-Reinet is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest in South Africa. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries Dutch Burghers began to leave the Cape area. These Burghers became known as Trek Boers and were noted for their hardy, independent characters, disdain for authority and dislike of taxes.
To keep some control over their subjects, the authorities established in 1786 an administrative centre (Drostdy) in a picturesque setting where the Sundays River flows from the Sneeuberg Mountains. This they named after the Governor and his wife Reinet.
In the 1830s there was a mass movement of Boers away from the Colony to the North where they hoped to establish republics where they would be independent. This was the Great Trek which had huge ramifications on the history of South Africa. The majority of those on the Trek came from the Eastern Cape. One of the Graaff-Reinet trekkers, Andries Pretorius commanded the Boers at the Battle of Blood River and later became the first president of the South African Republic. Pretoria, was named after him.
Graaff-Reinet is the center of Camdeboo Municipality and is built in a “horseshoe” where the Sundays River loops and almost encircles the town.
Graaff-Reinet has one of the most attractive settings of any town in South Africa, mountains on three sides and the flat plains of the Camdeboo to the south. Few towns have conserved their townscape as well as Graaff-Reinet. The town has more protected buildings than any other in South Africa. The most prominent of these is the Dutch Reformed Church which is a Victorian gothic gem. Other notable structures are the Old Drostdy, now the Drostdy Hotel, as well as several splendid examples of Cape Dutch, such as Reinet House, Urquhart House and the old Residency, now part of the Graaff-Reinet Museum.
Since the days of the “Graaff-Reinet Republic” the town has always been in the forefront of historical processes in South Africa. During the guerilla phase of the Anglo Boer War, raiders from the Transvaal and Free State operated widely in the rugged terrain of the area, supported by much of the Afrikaans populace. Many, although subjects of the Queen, took up arms and joined the Boers. They were known as “Cape Rebels”. A large garrison was stationed in Graaff-Reinet to try and quell the situation. Their barracks still exist, now known as the “Royal Walk”. Many of the Cape Rebels were taken prisoner and charged with high treason. A number were shot by firing squad, the most controversial being Gideon Scheepers, a Boer commander, who was executed outside the town near Van Rynevelds Pass. When Van Rynevelds Dam was built his grave was covered by the resultant lake.
Robert Sobukwe one of South Africa’s most famous anti apartheid activists hailed from Graaff-Reinet. Best known for founding the Pan African Congress he was imprisoned on Robben Island. Dr Sobukwe is buried in Graaff-Reinet.
Graaff-Reinet is almost surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park. In this park is found one the well-known Valley of Desolation, a dramatic cleft in the ironstone rocks. There are many private game reserves and hunting lodges in the district. The town is also the centre of a sheep farming area well-known for the quality of its wool and its mutton. Karoo Lamb is the finest in the world. Many farms in the area offer farm stays and numerous activities such as hiking, horse riding, quad bikes, hunting, bird viewing and many more. Show more
|
The monument commemorates the Union of South Africa and is a stone pyramid erected on Magazine Hill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The former Residency, situated diagonally opposite Reinet House at the end of Parsonage Street, and forming a unique architectural complex with it, is a well-preserved example of the early 19th Century Cape Dutch H-shaped house.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Christmas Lights in Acacia Street in Kroonvale (Festive Season only) offer a memorable festive season for all. This local community decorates their homes, gardens and street with Christmas lights for all to enjoy. Come and join in with the...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 4248 |
Email |
|
|
|
In 1875 The Graaff Reinet Club was established and in 1880 a new clubhouse was erected on Church Square. From 1900-1902 the officers of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, stationed at Graaff Reinet, made use of the club.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The building in which the John Rupert Theatre of Graaff-Reinet is located was formerly a Congregational Mission Church and the original pulpit can still be seen in the foyer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the 26 June 1902 the foundation stone of the new Town Hall in Church Square named “The Victoria Hall” was laid but building operations only started in April 1910. The town hall was designed along Flemish Renaissance lines.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Drostdy at Graaff-Reinet was established in response to petitions from the Boers of the region. On 6 February 1795 a gathering proclaimed the "Graaff-Reinet Colony"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo, not to mention awesome scenic beauty. A unique feature of the 19 405-hectare park is its location, practically surrounding the town of...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3453 |
Email |
|
|
|
The present day Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bourke Street, between Somerset and Middle Streets, was consecrated on the 23rd April 1957 and the High Alter on the 24th April 1957. First class relics of St Pius X and St Maria...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to discontent in the congregation a split occurred in the Groot Kerk. The main cause of the breakaway segment’s dissatisfaction seems to have been centered on the autocratic personality of the Rev Naude.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dedicated to Boer soldiers "in memory of the fallen in the struggle for Freedom and Justice".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oor die stook van withond (brandewyn) op Graaff-Reinet in vervloë dae word wyd bespiegel en geromantiseer. Oor min plaaslike aktiwiteite van weleer word soveel aannames gemaak. Dat dit ‘n betekenisvolle tydperk in die bestaan van die...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months after the end of the first World War a public meeting was called by the Mayor, Mr. H Urquhart, at which it was decided to erect a monument, on the most prominent site in town, in honour of the gallant Graaff-Reinet men who had lost...
|
|
|
|
|
|
The large erf at the southern extremity of Market Square, on which Urquhart House stands today, was granted in freehold to Johan Hendrik Greyling on 1 January 1806, which places it amongst the earliest plots transferred into private ownership.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 5650 |
Email |
|
|
|
The original foundation stone for this building situated on the corner of Bourke and Middle Streets was laid on the 9th July 1913. After undergoing many transformations including being used as a cinema the building was reconsecrated on the 21 May...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 891 1243 |
Email |
|
|
|
Sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of Dolerite rise 120 metres from the valley floor, against the timeless backdrop of the vast plains of the Camdeboo. This is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3453 |
Email |
|
|
|
The important role played by the Jewish "smous" in the sparsely populated interior of the Cape Colony is recognised in a simple monument erected alongside College Road.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The old powder magazine stands alone on the hill to the north of Graaff Reinet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1988 South Africa celebrated the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the French Huguenots in the country.
To mark this occasion a small monument in the form of a pyramid was erected in Church Square, Graaff Reinet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The first recorded church was in Church Street. Building of a church started in 1792 but was destroyed by fire in 1799 before it could be completed. A second church was completed in September 1800 on the site of the present Dutch Reformed Church or...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 2422 |
Email |
|
|
|
The Graaff-Reinet Museum or “Reinet House”, formerly a Dutch Reformed Church parsonage, was built at the expense of the Government in 1812 during the ministry of the Rev. Kicherer. It was the home of three ministers prior to 1822.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3801 |
Email |
|
|
|
Visitors to our little dorp always ask me what the predominant language is, but here in Graaff-Reinet we have an efficient way of mixing our languages to give expression to emotion and sommer just because it sounds lekker.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Located in Church Street, Graaff-Reinet, is housed in the fifth oldest church building in South Africa. It was built and consecrated as a Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1821, 35 years after the founding of the village of Graaff-Reinet in 1786.
|
|
|
|
|
|
M R Sobukwe, founder of the Pan African Congress was one of the towering pillars of black nationalism in South Africa. A gentle, humble, deeply religious man with a brilliant intellect, he could be described as one of the main sources of...
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1871 the foundation stone of the Trinity Church on the corner of Caledon and Bourke Streets was laid and on the 15 September 1875 the official opening of the church took place. In 1894 it was necessary to enlarge the building and at the same time...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 2366 |
Email |
|
|
|
For an outing with difference, go for a ride with the Blaauwater Railway and experience the facination and beauty of the Lootsberg Pass from a different perspective, namely a railway trolley called "Tubby".
|
|
|
|
|
|
This monument in memory of the Voortrekker leader was erected in 1943.
The monument can be seen about 3 km from the town, at the Camdeboo National Park Offices on the N9 to Middelburg, the route to the north and into the interior, which the...
|
|
|
|
|
|
The scaled-down replica of the Paardekraal monument was erected south of the bridge over the Sundays River.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Block was constructed during the early 20th century, quite possibly as housing for the labour force during the construction of the Van Ryneveld’s Pass Irrigation Dam in the 1920’s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Military History Museum is the most recent addition to the Graaff-Reinet Museum Complex and was established in 2005.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 5650 |
Email |
|
|
|
Graaff-Reinet grapes have a high sugar content and are thus ideal for the making of brandy. During the Great Depression and illicit trade in illegal distillation grew up in the town. Withond is still made at Reinet House for tourism purposes where...
|
|
|
|
|
|
While limited privately sponsored library facilities were available in Graaff-Reinet from about 1818, it was not until 1847 that the citizens of the town established a public library, subscribing funds to build the central building in Church Street.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3801 |
Email |
|
|
|
During the Anglo-Boer War Gideon Scheepers formed his own commando, which operated in the Cape Midlands. He was captured by the British troops and charges of alleged war crimes were laid against him. At the court hearings in Graaff-Reinet he was...
|
|
|
|
|
|
The building in which the John Rupert Theatre of Graaff-Reinet is located was formerly a Congregational Mission Church and the original pulpit can still be seen in the foyer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The scaled-down replica of the Paardekraal monument was erected south of the bridge over the Sundays River.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Christmas Lights in Acacia Street in Kroonvale (Festive Season only) offer a memorable festive season for all. This local community decorates their homes, gardens and street with Christmas lights for all to enjoy. Come and join in with the...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 4248 |
Email |
|
|
|
Dedicated to Boer soldiers "in memory of the fallen in the struggle for Freedom and Justice".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oor die stook van withond (brandewyn) op Graaff-Reinet in vervloë dae word wyd bespiegel en geromantiseer. Oor min plaaslike aktiwiteite van weleer word soveel aannames gemaak. Dat dit ‘n betekenisvolle tydperk in die bestaan van die...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Graaff-Reinet grapes have a high sugar content and are thus ideal for the making of brandy. During the Great Depression and illicit trade in illegal distillation grew up in the town. Withond is still made at Reinet House for tourism purposes where...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo, not to mention awesome scenic beauty. A unique feature of the 19 405-hectare park is its location, practically surrounding the town of...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3453 |
Email |
|
|
|
The large erf at the southern extremity of Market Square, on which Urquhart House stands today, was granted in freehold to Johan Hendrik Greyling on 1 January 1806, which places it amongst the earliest plots transferred into private ownership.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 5650 |
Email |
|
|
|
For an outing with difference, go for a ride with the Blaauwater Railway and experience the facination and beauty of the Lootsberg Pass from a different perspective, namely a railway trolley called "Tubby".
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the 26 June 1902 the foundation stone of the new Town Hall in Church Square named “The Victoria Hall” was laid but building operations only started in April 1910. The town hall was designed along Flemish Renaissance lines.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visitors to our little dorp always ask me what the predominant language is, but here in Graaff-Reinet we have an efficient way of mixing our languages to give expression to emotion and sommer just because it sounds lekker.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of Dolerite rise 120 metres from the valley floor, against the timeless backdrop of the vast plains of the Camdeboo. This is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3453 |
Email |
|
|
|
During the Anglo-Boer War Gideon Scheepers formed his own commando, which operated in the Cape Midlands. He was captured by the British troops and charges of alleged war crimes were laid against him. At the court hearings in Graaff-Reinet he was...
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Block was constructed during the early 20th century, quite possibly as housing for the labour force during the construction of the Van Ryneveld’s Pass Irrigation Dam in the 1920’s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
While limited privately sponsored library facilities were available in Graaff-Reinet from about 1818, it was not until 1847 that the citizens of the town established a public library, subscribing funds to build the central building in Church Street.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3801 |
Email |
|
|
|
The present day Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bourke Street, between Somerset and Middle Streets, was consecrated on the 23rd April 1957 and the High Alter on the 24th April 1957. First class relics of St Pius X and St Maria...
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1875 The Graaff Reinet Club was established and in 1880 a new clubhouse was erected on Church Square. From 1900-1902 the officers of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, stationed at Graaff Reinet, made use of the club.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months after the end of the first World War a public meeting was called by the Mayor, Mr. H Urquhart, at which it was decided to erect a monument, on the most prominent site in town, in honour of the gallant Graaff-Reinet men who had lost...
|
|
|
|
|
The monument commemorates the Union of South Africa and is a stone pyramid erected on Magazine Hill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The important role played by the Jewish "smous" in the sparsely populated interior of the Cape Colony is recognised in a simple monument erected alongside College Road.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1988 South Africa celebrated the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the French Huguenots in the country.
To mark this occasion a small monument in the form of a pyramid was erected in Church Square, Graaff Reinet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Graaff-Reinet Museum or “Reinet House”, formerly a Dutch Reformed Church parsonage, was built at the expense of the Government in 1812 during the ministry of the Rev. Kicherer. It was the home of three ministers prior to 1822.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 3801 |
Email |
|
|
|
M R Sobukwe, founder of the Pan African Congress was one of the towering pillars of black nationalism in South Africa. A gentle, humble, deeply religious man with a brilliant intellect, he could be described as one of the main sources of...
|
|
|
|
|
|
The first recorded church was in Church Street. Building of a church started in 1792 but was destroyed by fire in 1799 before it could be completed. A second church was completed in September 1800 on the site of the present Dutch Reformed Church or...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 2422 |
Email |
|
|
|
The old powder magazine stands alone on the hill to the north of Graaff Reinet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The original foundation stone for this building situated on the corner of Bourke and Middle Streets was laid on the 9th July 1913. After undergoing many transformations including being used as a cinema the building was reconsecrated on the 21 May...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 891 1243 |
Email |
|
|
|
The former Residency, situated diagonally opposite Reinet House at the end of Parsonage Street, and forming a unique architectural complex with it, is a well-preserved example of the early 19th Century Cape Dutch H-shaped house.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Drostdy at Graaff-Reinet was established in response to petitions from the Boers of the region. On 6 February 1795 a gathering proclaimed the "Graaff-Reinet Colony"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Located in Church Street, Graaff-Reinet, is housed in the fifth oldest church building in South Africa. It was built and consecrated as a Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1821, 35 years after the founding of the village of Graaff-Reinet in 1786.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1871 the foundation stone of the Trinity Church on the corner of Caledon and Bourke Streets was laid and on the 15 September 1875 the official opening of the church took place. In 1894 it was necessary to enlarge the building and at the same time...
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 2366 |
Email |
|
|
|
This monument in memory of the Voortrekker leader was erected in 1943.
The monument can be seen about 3 km from the town, at the Camdeboo National Park Offices on the N9 to Middelburg, the route to the north and into the interior, which the...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to discontent in the congregation a split occurred in the Groot Kerk. The main cause of the breakaway segment’s dissatisfaction seems to have been centered on the autocratic personality of the Rev Naude.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Military History Museum is the most recent addition to the Graaff-Reinet Museum Complex and was established in 2005.
|
|
|
| Phone: 049 892 5650 |
Email |
|
|
GRAAFF-REINET QUICK LINKS
|
