Stellenbosch, situated in a fruit-growing area, is one of the more interesting of South Africa's smaller towns. Lying so close to Cape Town, with so many attractive sights in the surrounding area, it is a place where visitors could profitably spend some time.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement (after Cape
Town) on the Cape, founded in 1679 by Governor Van der Stel. The first settlers planted wheat, but it was soon realized that, thanks to the good soil and favorable climate of the area. Stellenbosch has also been for more than a century a university town and center of learning.
Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa and one of the best preserved of the towns dating from the time of the Dutch East India Company. Most of the town's historic core, round the Braak and along Dorp Street, still survives, with numerous old buildings in Cape Dutch style. A feature of Stellenbosch is its old oak-trees. Gay with color throughout the year, it has a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere which all visitors will feel as they stroll quietly about the town.
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