Place: The Castle of Good Hope
Location: Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 787 1260
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: Admission fees apply; for current rates, visit the official website.
Website: castleofgoodhope.co.za
History: Constructed between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (DEIC), the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. It was built to replace an earlier fort made of clay and timber, established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652.
Designed in a pentagonal shape with five bastions—Leerdam, Buuren, Katzenellenbogen, Nassau, and Oranje—the fortress served as a replenishment station for ships traveling between Europe and the East. Over the centuries, it has functioned as a military fortification, a prison during the Second Boer War, and now houses the Castle Military Museum and the William Fehr Art Collection.
Hauntings: The Castle of Good Hope is renowned for its numerous ghostly legends. One of the most infamous tales involves Governor Pieter van Noodt, who, in 1728, sentenced several soldiers to death for desertion. One of the condemned men cursed van Noodt before his execution, and later that day, the governor was found dead in his office. His restless spirit is said to roam the castle’s corridors, cursing and swearing.
Another apparition is the “Grey Lady,” often seen floating through the castle, though sightings have diminished since a woman’s body was discovered during excavations. Additionally, a spectral black dog is reported to charge at visitors before vanishing. The bell tower, sealed off for centuries, occasionally emits unexplained ringing, attributed to a soldier who allegedly hanged himself there.
Personal Experiences: While many visitors and staff have reported eerie sensations, disembodied voices, and unexplained phenomena, specific documented personal experiences are scarce. The castle’s long history and numerous legends contribute to its reputation as a haunted location.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
For a visual exploration of the castle’s haunted history, you might find this video insightful: