Houses of Parliament

Cape Town


A tour around parliament is fascinating, especially if you’re interested in the country’s modern history. Opened in 1885, the hallowed halls have seen some pretty momentous events: this is where British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan made his ‘Wind of Change’ speech in 1960, and where President Hendrik Verwoerd, known as the architect of apartheid, was stabbed to death in 1966. Call ahead and present your passport to gain entry.

Transportation

  • bus: Roeland

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cape Town attractions

1. Public Garden

0.05 MILES

Planted with a fine collection of botanical specimens, including frangipanis, African flame trees, aloes and roses, the Public Garden is the centrepiece…

2. De Tuynhuis

0.07 MILES

Dating from 1700, but altered during the British administration of the 19th century when it was the home of the British governor, De Tuynhuis was…

3. Company’s Garden

0.07 MILES

These shady green gardens, which started as the vegetable patch for the Dutch East India Company, are a lovely place to relax. They are planted with a…

4. St Mary’s Cathedral

0.09 MILES

Dedicated in 1851, and having undergone many alterations since, this is Cape Town's main Catholic church.

5. National Library of South Africa

0.11 MILES

Facing the north end of the Public Garden, this neoclassical building is based on the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK, and holds a copy of nearly…

6. Cecil Rhodes Statue

0.12 MILES

This bronze statue of the politician and mining magnate Cecil Rhodes was erected in 1908 in the Company's Garden on a plinth carved with the phrase ‘Your…

7. St George’s Cathedral

0.14 MILES

Known as the People’s Cathedral, this was one of the few places of worship that was open to people of all races during apartheid. Classical concerts are…

8. Arch for Arch

0.14 MILES

Unveiled in 2017 for Archibishop Desmond Tutu's 86th birthday, this wooden arch stands next to the cathedral where the Nobel Prize winner presided as a…

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