Constantia in Cape, South Africa | Constantia Information on accommodation, business and tourist destinations

CONSTANTIA HOME PAGE - WESTERN CAPE

Constantia is situated in the Cape Peninsula, a few kilometres south of Table Mountain and the City Bowl (i.e. the central business district of the metropolis).Constantia is one of the oldest suburbs of Cape Town and is famed for its wine. The estate of Groot Constantia (Big Constantia) was established in 1684 by the Dutch Colonial Governor of Cape Town, Simon van der Stel and other notable wine farms in the area include Klein Constantia (Small Constantia) and Constantia Uitsig (Constantia Outlook). Before the twentieth century, the region was noted for its exports of Constantia, a sweet dessert wine. Many years ago the trade was crippled by the arrival in the Cape of a parasite that attacked the vines. The reputation of the wine was further damaged by unscrupulous dealers who placed inferior "pirate" versions on the international market.Constantia is a very affluent suburb with large properties and beautiful homes. House prices have rocketed in recent years. As an aside the area has had both the famous and the infamous as its residents. Mark Thatcher, the son of Margaret Thatcher lived in Constantia until he was charged with funding a coup in Equatorial Guineau. Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana also resides in the area. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantia%2C_Cape_Town)

Constantia, an upmarket area of the Cape and the Cradle of the wine industry in South Africa, is divided up into several areas, the functioning wine estates being: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia (built in 1790), Buitenverwagting and Constancia Uitsig. Constantia is a district in Cape Town, South Africa. It is centred on the Constantia Valley and lies to the east of and at the foot of a prominent mountain called Constantiaberg. The area is separated by a low pass from Hout Bay to the west.
Mostert's Mill, which was built in 1796 is situated in Rosebank, and is one of only two Dutch windmills in the Cape. Turn right from Rhodes Avenue into Cecil Road to find the Irma Stern Museum. The Presidents' two homes: Groote Schuur & Westbrook,were both built on the Cecil John Rhodes' Estate. The site of the Rhodes Memorial was chosen by Sir Herbert Baker and Rudyard Kipling, who were both his close friends. The South African Rugby Football Union Museum is housed in the Josephine Mill, on Boundary Road.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for it's wonderful Cape flora and beautiful setting against the East slopes of Table Mountain, has over 5000 species of flora, which include many favourite South African plants. The Garden is open every day of the year and charges a small entrance fee. It has a gift and book shop, plant nursery, coffee shop and restaurant. Guided walks are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns from December to March.

The Tokai Manor House is near the entrance to the Tokai Forests, which offer pleasant walks and picnic sites. Tokai itself is a very upmarket village.