Bo - kaap beauty

We have lived in Cape Town for 17 years now and in all those years we have never ventured into this part of Cape Town.This  area is called the Bo-kaap. We spent a fun Saturday morning walking around the narrow little streets with other visiting tourists and took many photos of these brightly coloured houses. 

These houses were built between 1790 and 1825. 

Over the years the area has come to be identified as the heart of the cultural life of the Malay people.

 Two basic styles of architecture predominate the Malay Quarter - Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian - the character of the styles being very similar. 

 A part of the Malay Quarter,  the streets Wale, Church, Shortmarket and Rose and Chiapinni Streets, was declared a National Monument in 1966 and in 1971 the City Council began the first phase of restoration. Care is being taken that the existing beauty and unity be preserved as an example of traditional, Cape, domestic architecture. Also It is intended the cobbled streets will be restored and lamps will replace electricity poles and cables.

These bright, beautiful houses are tucked away under the slopes of Signal Hill with a magnificent view of Table mountain in the distance.

This shop nestled amongst the houses has brightly coloured beaded animals of all shapes and sizes. Amazing creativity and local artistic skill!

We then walked back down to Bree Street which is one of my favourite spots to explore shops, architecture and restaurants and of course - coffee shops!! I absolutely love this dusty pink door of the restuarant,  "Mulberry & Prince"   

If you are ever visiting Cape Town - make sure you make your way to this  vibrant, colourful, picturesque neighbourhood - the Bo-kaap and stop for  a coffee on Bree Street. 

Shirley xx