- Cape Dutch architecture
Cape Dutch architecture is an architectural style found in the
Western Cape ofSouth Africa . The style was prominent in the early days of theCape Colony , and the name derives from the fact that the initial settlers of the Cape were primarily Dutch.Houses in this style have a distinctive and recognisable design, with a prominent feature being the grand, ornately rounded gables, reminiscent of features in townhouses of
Amsterdam built in the Dutch style. The houses are also usually H-shaped, with the front section of the house usually being flanked by two wings running perpendicular to it. Furthermore, walls arewhitewash ed, and the roofs arethatch ed.Most Cape Dutch buildings in
Cape Town have been lost to new developments — particularly to high-rises in the City Bowl. However, the Cape Dutch tradition can still be seen in many of the farmhouses of the Wine Route, and historical towns such asStellenbosch ,Swellendam ,Tulbagh andGraaff-Reinet .External links
* [http://www.encounter.co.za/article/19.html History and Evolution of Cape Dutch Architecture (with more pics)]
See also
*
History of Cape Town
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