Grahamstown South Africa – the perfect destination for culture lovers.
Nestled in the slopes of the Suur Mountains, Grahamstown* South Africa is a unique pocket of history and culture that was once the frontier between the Xhosa territories and the British Cape Colony. Known as Africa’s Festival Capital, this seemingly small and sleepy town is actually a diverse creative hub, teeming with art, literature, music and history. So what is it that makes Grahamstown South Africa, so special?
*The correct name for Grahamstown South Africa is, in fact, Makhanda but I shall use Grahamstown in this article as many still refer to it by its former name.
It hosts the continent’s largest arts festival in Africa
The National Arts Festival (NAF) is also one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world. The annual festival takes place over a period of eleven days (from the end of June to the first week of July). The festival’s programme includes a fringe festival and the main festival programme, which comprises a variety of performances including theatrical, dance, comedy and visual art exhibitions; also part of the festival are films, panel discussions and live music. Historical tours of this famous city are also included, and food lovers won’t be disappointed. The NAF also hosts a children’s art festival in parallel to the main festival programme. So successful is the Grahamstown National Arts Festival that it is one of the biggest contributors to the economy of the region (Eastern Cape).
It is historically rich
Founded in 1812 by Lieutenant-Colonel John Graham, Grahamstown South Africa was originally created as a British military outpost during the Frontier Wars. Today, the city boasts over 70 heritage sites, including museums, monuments and age-old buildings that provide fascinating insights into the town’s rich colonial past. You can take a visit to a historic railway station, explore the town’s myriad of churches and even check out the oldest postbox in the country!
For avid history lovers, Grahamstown has plenty of museums to explore. Delve into the natural history and science of the Eastern Cape at The Albany Science Museum, or discover the origins of the South African diamond industry at The Observatory Museum. For music lovers, The International Library of African Music is also well worth a visit. Created to celebrate and uphold the continent’s historical musical styles, the museum houses over two hundred traditional African instruments, many of which are still played today.
Perhaps the most fascinating of Grahamstown’s historical attractions is The Old Provost, a military prison dating back to 1838. Designed in a panopticon shape, the prison facilitated the relentless surveillance of its inmates, most of whom were military deserters. Today, The Old Provost is a popular tourist attraction and coffee shop, but the building still has a macabre feel about it. If you are feeling brave, you can even rent out a prison cell as your accommodation during the National Arts Festival. But be warned, sleeping in these ghostly cells is not for the faint of heart!
A literature lover’s paradise
Grahamstown is a goldmine of South African literature. Located on the outskirts of the town, The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature houses the world’s largest collection of resources relating to the country’s literature. There are over 100,000 literary artefacts inside, including authors’ manuscripts, diaries, letters, poetry, photographs, short stories, play scripts and publishers archives, as well as 30,000 examples of children’s literature.
With the help of audiovisual displays, the museum’s exhibitions tell the story of South Africa through the writings of its people, spanning from the early colonial period to the present day. A must-visit for bookworms, poetry lovers and writers alike, The Amazwi Museum offers a perfect chance to delve deeper into South Africa’s varied and fascinating literary heritage.
It is a city of music
Grahamstown South Africa may be relatively small, but it is blessed with one of the most vibrant and diverse music scenes in South Africa. The city is jam-packed with local musical talent, from virtuoso jazz musicians and rap artists to steel pan bands and choral groups. The good news is, you don’t need to visit the Arts Festival to enjoy it! Live music is available in almost every genre imaginable, at any time of year. Whether you are looking for trance parties, heavy metal raves, chilled acoustics, or classical strings, Grahamstown’s eclectic music scene has something for you.
It houses astonishingly beautiful architecture
Grahamstown South Africa is an explorer’s delight – packed to the brim with architectural jewels. From military barracks and Gothic-style churches to Edwardian mansions and 18th-century settlers cottages, the town has a plethora of fascinating historical buildings that act as a window into its troubling colonial past.
Often referred to as the ‘City of Saints’, Grahamstown South Africa is well known for its profusion of religious architecture. There are over 60 churches scattered throughout the city, featuring pretty spires, domes and bell towers. The town’s most magnificent religious building has to be The Cathedral of St Michael and St George – also known as Grahamstown Cathedral. First erected in the 1800s, this Anglican cathedral boasts stunning neo-Gothic architecture, century-old stained glass windows and the tallest spire in the country. The cathedral is Grahamstown’s most celebrated architectural treasures and a must-see for culture lovers visiting the area.
Whether you are a bibliophile, a history buff, a music devotee or just an all-round art lover, Grahamstown is brimming with cultural treasures just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Tell us about your experiences at The National Arts Festival, for example.
What do you love most Grahamstown South Africa?
