- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates: 34°01′53″S 18°25′06″E
- Municipality: City of Cape Town
- Southern Suburbs
- Area: 23.9 km2
This is a leafy suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape, about 15 km south of the city centre. It lies in the Valley between Tokai, Bergvliet,, Plumstead and Bishops Court, on the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains. The area is accessible via Main Road (M41) and the M3 freeway and is known for wine estates, greenbelts and residential properties.
History of Constantia
The suburb is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most historic, located in the fertile valley on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Known for its world-class wine estates, lush landscapes, and grand homes, the suburb epitomises elegance and tradition in the Cape. Its rich history dates back to the early days of the Cape Colony, making it one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wine-producing regions.
Groot Constantia estate, founded by Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape, in 1685, is the cornerstone of the area’s wine heritage. Today, the estate operates as a museum and continues to produce wines, maintaining its historic legacy. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the local wines gained international acclaim, particularly for their sweet dessert wines, which were highly favoured by European royalty, including Napoleon Bonaparte.
For over 200 years, the area remained a rural area predominantly inhabited by freed slaves who worked as farmers, farm labourers, and fruit and flower sellers. However, in 1961, the Group Areas Act classified the suburb as a white area, leading to the forced removal of its non-white residents to the Cape Flats. This marked a significant shift in the area’s demographic and social landscape.
During the Dutch conquest of Sumatra, Sheikh Abdurachman Matebe Shah and Sheikh Mahmoud were exiled. They brought Islam to South Africa. Sheikh Abdurachman Matebe Shah died in 1682, and his grave (Kramat) remains visible along Spansgemat River Road, honouring his legacy.
Today, the suburb is one of Cape Town’s most sought-after and upmarket suburbs. It combines historic charm with modern luxury.
Transport
Constantia is served by Golden Arrow Bus Services and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.
local WEATHER TODAY
Browse businesses and places to visit in Constantia
Things to See & Do in Constantia
- Constantia Nek loop
- Groot Constantia
- Constantia Nek
- Gift fair info@thegiftfair.co.za
- Harry Molteno Library/Kirstenbosch Research Centre, 021 799-8712
Resources
For permits, fishing rules, regulations and other practical outdoor information relevant to Constantia, see the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Useful Numbers in Constantia
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around
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Emergency Services
- Police: Diep River 021 710 7300
- Fire: 021 794 1128
- Ambulance: 10177
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Medical
- Closest hospital-Constantiaberg clinic021 799 2911
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Municipal & Utilities
- Water: 0860 103 089
- Electricity: 021 710 9430
- Sub-council office; 021 444 8112
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Transport & Roads
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
- Traffic department:
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Community & Safety
- SPCA: 021 700 4140
- Childline South Africa: 116
- Poison Information Centre: 0861 555 777
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Local Contacts and Community Resources in Constantia
- Library; Meadowridge Library 021 712 9382
- Museum: Groot Constantia museum 021 795 5147
- Post office; 021 794 5796
- Residents Association: 021 715 6009
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Schools in Constantia
- Waldorf school: 021 794 2103
- Preschool: 021 794 109
- Herzlia Primary School 021 286 3951
- Primary school:021 794 6186
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
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