Calvinia Attractions
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Calvinia, an isolated little town at the foot of the Hantamsberg (1,673m/5,489ft), is a possible base for a trip through Namaqualand, northwest of the town. The surrounding area is famed for its show of blossom in spring.
The town, founded in 1848 and named after the Swiss Reformer John Calvin, is second only to Harrismith as a center for the breeding of merino sheep. This breed of sheep, famed for the fineness of its wool, originally came from Spain. In 1789 King Charles V of Spain presented a number of merinos to William V of Holland, and six of these came to the Cape, where - to the displeasure of the Spanish - they flourished magnificently. The progeny of the original six provided the basis of South Africa's merino-breeding industry.
The town, founded in 1848 and named after the Swiss Reformer John Calvin, is second only to Harrismith as a center for the breeding of merino sheep. This breed of sheep, famed for the fineness of its wool, originally came from Spain. In 1789 King Charles V of Spain presented a number of merinos to William V of Holland, and six of these came to the Cape, where - to the displeasure of the Spanish - they flourished magnificently. The progeny of the original six provided the basis of South Africa's merino-breeding industry.
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