With its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful surroundings, magnificent backdrop of mountain ranges, modern facilities and proximity to all the major attractions on the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch is the ideal getaway holiday destination.
Shortly after the Cape of Good Hope was established, the newly appointed Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, set out on a voyage of discovery to the east to explore the untouched and wild land beyond the Cape Peninsula. On November 6, 1679, he came across a river that flowed through a fertile and beautifully green valley. He named the river “Eerste Rivier” (first river) and the surrounding area “Van der Stel Bosch” (Van der Stel bush).
Before long, news of the discovery of this fertile valley spread and the first families settled there in 1680. The settlement later became known as Stellenbosch, and is the second oldest city in South Africa. Hot summers and winter rains provided an ideal agricultural environment, and by 1682 the settlement had become an established town. In 1685 it became the seat of a corregidor, whose authority extended over 25,000 square kilometers. The first school was built in 1686, followed soon after by the first church.
An annual celebration was held on Simon van der Stel’s birthday in honor of the founder. This tradition began in 1686 and included games, parades, festivities, and dances. Since the celebration was held on October 14, it was a celebration of spring at the same time. The highlight of the celebration was when the shooters shot a wooden parrot to win the main prize, and to this day the hill where this event took place is still known as Papegaaiberg (Parrot Hill).
Simon van der Stel launched a project to plant oak trees and the mighty trees still line the streets of Stellenbosch. The city is appropriately known as “Eikestad”, or the City of Oaks. Unfortunately a recent disease has affected the trees and the towering oaks are slowly dying. Fortunately, since oak trees are a symbol of Stellenbosch, the council started planting new trees soon after the discovery of the disease.
In 1866, the Stellenbosch Gymnasium was founded. In 1880 it changed its name to Stellenbosch College, but in 1887 it was renamed Victoria College after Queen Victoria. In 1918, the university officially became Stellenbosch University, affectionately known as “Maties”. The University has become over the years the heart of Stellenbosch and is considered one of the best in the world.
During the year, the approximately 17,000 students fill the city with a lively and bustling atmosphere of activity in the hostels, classrooms, restaurants, cafeterias, bars and discos. Bank holidays are the times when the tranquility of the natural surroundings and the comparative quiet in the streets give Stellenbosch a chance to breathe and prepare for the influx of young people that is sure to follow into the coming semester.
Stellenbosch is a treasure trove of beautifully restored buildings: elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture can be seen particularly on historic Dorp Street, which recalls the rich and colorful past. Several international companies have their headquarters in this historic university town. Just outside of Stellenbosch, nestled between the majestic Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek, Twin Peaks and Helderberg mountains, a ‘clean’ industrial settlement has been established at Techno Park.
Once a sleepy little town, Techno Park has become a center for industry, business and education, as well as the heart of the wine industry.
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 into the center of the Cape wine industry, producing some of the best wines in the country. The famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, established in 1971, allows you to enjoy our fabulous local wines while going on fun and entertaining expeditions into the countryside. Stellenbosch is an amazing place to be.
Events and activities take place throughout the year: music, street, wine and art festivals delight young and old alike. Outdoor enthusiasts can take part in mountaineering, horseback riding, and cycling, while sports fans can attend international sporting events.
Stellenbosch has a bustling scene of outdoor cafes in the French tradition, excellent restaurants and cafes, modern shops and a vibrant nightlife. A calm and lively city and its friendly people, an endless variety of entertainment and activities and a stunning valley with majestic mountains embracing it – this is what makes Stellenbosch such a special conference and tourist destination.
