0950 mi – Riebeek-Kasteel

Riebeek-Kasteel is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, situated at 50 miles north-east of Cape Town in The Riebeek Valley together with its sister town Riebeek West. They set off in the direction of Paardeberg and on 3 February 1661 they ascended a lonely mountain and came upon the fertile vista of the Riebeek Valley. They named it Riebeek Kasteel, in honor of the Commander.

Subsequently farmers established themselves in the valley and during 1900 the town was laid out in and around its existing church and its neighbour The Royal Hotel, the oldest hotel of South Africa. The town eventually developed and today it houses +/- 2700 residents including some of South Africa’s most famous painters, attracted by the picturesque surroundings of the valley.

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