On this Historic walk through Paarl, look left and right and into all the side streets. On this approximately 3km walk, you will see many interesting old and historical buildings! The whole town is steeped in the history of the Afrikaans language
Start the walk on Main Street at the corner of Brug Street. You will see a quaint row of Georgian buildings on the Left. Slightly further on, you will be at the Het Gesticht church, built in 1812; it is the fourth oldest church building in South Africa. Originally built as a school, church and meeting house for the slaves. It was handed over to the Paarl Missionary Society in 1817 and remained in use until the larger Zion church was built in 1841.
Next is the Oude Paarl Boutique Hotel. It is housed in two 18th-century buildings. The buildings are National monuments.
On the other side of the road is Klein Vredenburg Guest House, a Cape Dutch-inspired Georgian building constructed in 1812
A little bit further on is the Strooidak kerk (Thatch Roof Church) that was built in 1804. On the other side of the road is the Pastorie, which, though it appears to be an old building, is a reconstruction of the original frontage.
Next, you will pass Zederberg Plein, which is a row of Victorian-style houses fronted by a small park. These houses were renovated, altering their Cape Dutch style to reflect the fashion of the Victorian era. About 150 metres further up the road, you will see a Dutch Renaissance Revival style building which houses the Press Building. Notice the turrets and the distinctive paintwork. Further on is an old Cape Dutch-style building with a thatched roof, where there is a great eatery/winery called Café Juno. Right next door is Zomerlust Guest House. This place has important ties to the local brandy industry. At the back of the building, you will find the Kontreihuis Restaurant.
Inside the Zomerlust building is the Die Kraan Lady’s Bar. This name refers to a legend that a tap ran conveniently from the Brandy Distillery across the road into the bar.
The old age home across the road is Huis Vergenoegd. It was built in 1899. Further on is the Victorian Cross Building, where you will find the Kikka restaurant.
Next door is the Huis Wenhold, previously known as the Zuidmeer building. Over the years, this building has been used by various businesses such as wagon makers, tailors and other shops and small businesses.
The Patriot building is opposite. This building was important with regard to the development of the Afrikaans language.
Next is a Post Office with prison cells, which was built in the early 20th century. Carry on another 100m and you will find the Anglican Church.
Over Market Street, you will then get to the Paarl Town Hall, which was built in 1928. The granite that was used was mined from local quarries, then painted white to contrast with the dark mountain behind it
A bit further is a somewhat out-of-place Art Deco building, the Protea, that was built in 1939. It was a movie house for many years, but is currently used as a church.
You will pass some regular businesses before you get to an interesting building, Dwars-in-die-Weg, that straddles Main Street and Pastorie Avenue, built in 1946. It has been renovated and updated. There are several restaurants in this building, one of which is in the part of the building that was a furniture factory, dating back to the 1800s.
About 150 m further up the road is Gimnasium Primary School (Kleingim), established in 1858. The tower is decorated with reliefs with an Egyptian theme. Arnoldus Pannevis was a Dutch teacher of classical languages at the school and formed the first institute for the new language(Afrikaans) “Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners. It was first founded as a Dutch Christian school for boys.
Across the road is Toringkerk, built in 1875. The tower is 57 metres tall. Historic walk through Paarl
There are many more interesting houses and buildings on the surrounding Wine farms and in areas of town. Other buildings close by include La Rochelle and Boys High
You can walk further to Gimnasium Street, and turn left to head towards the Paarl Gymnasium High School. This school has spawned some of South Africa’s Rugby greats. Visit the museum at the school. It is home to a collection of artefacts and memorabilia showcasing the school’s rich history and traditions since 1868.
You may want to browse the list of wine farms in Paarl
Historic walk through Paarl
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