STONE WALL

BACKGROUND ON

STONE WALL

National Heritage Site declaration: April, 30 2019

The community spirit of Bo-Kaap as described in many historical studies has been carried through the last two centuries by generations of families residing in the area. The protection of religious, cultural and architectural heritage of the area is at the fore of community concerns. Bo-Kaap contains the largest concentration of pre-1850 architecture in the country and is the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Cape Town. The unique townscape comprises a range of architectural styles inclusive of Cape Dutch (14760 – c1815), Georgian (Cape English c1810 –1860), Victorian (c1860 – 1900) and Edwardian (c1900 – 1930). The character of the streetscapes is enhanced by the siting of the area on the slopes of Signal Hill, and thus enjoying views towards Table Mountain, the city bowl and the harbor. The number of mosques within the area provides the Muslim community of Cape Town with not only a place of worship, but also provides opportunities for education and awareness. As the contributions made by the mosques are of great significance, a ‘Mosques of the Bo-Kaap Committee ‘has been established to oversee the co-ordination and management of the 10 mosques in the area.