The Mother City... & Tavern of the Seas
The City Bowl has witnessed all South Africa's history – from the growth in traffic arising from the discovery of diamonds and gold in the hinterland, followed by the South African wars. Many of today's leaders passed through on their way to imprisonment on Robben Island. Nelson Mandela spoke to the public for the first time in 23 years from the City Hall after his release.
This area changed beyond imagination in the 20th century: the Foreshore added 280 acres to the city centre and the shoreline moved 1 km out to sea when part of Table Bay was reclaimed to build a deep water harbour (1940–1944). The removal of some 100 000 people and the demolition of District Six in the 1960's under apartheid's Group Areas legislation left a scar which has only started being healed.
This was followed by two events that changed the area's image and amenity: pedestrianisation of St George's Street and other areas created a more people-friendly environment (1986–1990) and the development of Cape Town's historic docklands as the V&A Waterfront was a catalyst to place the city on the international map (1989–). It restored a public amenity the Foreshore had taken away.
For more on Cape Town over the centuries, visit Cape Town's history.
Click here for more information on attractions and businesses in the area.
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