Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch with is post card setting is an ideal place to visit. Set in the heart of the winelands, with its temperate Mediterranean climate, beautiful surroundings, and magnificent backdrop of mountain ranges, it’s a must for any traveler.

Wine and the art of winemaking are woven into the history of Stellenbosch. From its humble beginnings with Simon van der Stel and the Huguenots, the valley has evolved to becoming the centre of the Cape's wine industry. The famous Stellenbosch Wine Route was established in 1971.

Stellenbosch is a treasure of beautifully restored buildings - elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture can be seen particularly in Dorp Street, which is reminiscent of the rich and colourful past.

History

Soon after the Cape of Good Hope had been established, Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape, set out on a discovery journey east to explore the wild and untouched land beyond the Cape Peninsula. On 6 November 1679 he came across a river he named "Eerste Rivier" (First River) and the surrounding area "Van der Stel Bosch" (Van der Stel's bush), the first families settled there in 1680. The settlement later became known as Stellenbosch, and is the second-oldest city in South Africa.

By 1682 the settlement had become an established town. In 1685 it became the seat of a magistrate, with the first school being built in 1686, followed soon afterwards by the first church.

Simon van der Stel launched a project to plant oak trees and the mighty trees still line the streets of Stellenbosch, which is also famous for its Jacaranda trees which transform the town when in bloom.

In 1866, the Stellenbosch Gymnasium was founded. In 1880 it changed its name to Stellenbosch College, but was renamed in 1887 to Victoria College in honour of Queen Victoria. In 1918 the college officially became the University of Stellenbosch, known affectionately as "Maties".

A yearly tradition on October 14^th, of celebrating Simon van der Stel's birthday and the beginning of spring was started in 1686. This included games, parades, festivities and dances. The highlight of the celebration was when marksmen shot at a wooden parrot to win the main prize. To this day the hill where this event took place is still known as Papegaaiberg (parrot hill).

More information please feel free to contact us at info@ebubeleni.com we can facilitate your arrangements, and take you on Guided Tour of Stellenbosch and the Wine Route.   

Transfers to and from your B & B, Guesthouse, Lodge or Hotel, should you not be staying with us at "Ebubeleni", can be arranged.