I believe the two oldest streets in Swellendam are Swellengrebel Street, which passes the Drostdy, and Voortrek Street where the Dutch Reformed Church is situated. Almost every building in these streets is interesting and I wandered along with my camera until I was too hot to walk further!
Swellengrebel Street was on the Old Cape Wagon Road or Groote Wagenweg. Today it is an elegant, wide, tree-lined road where you can find The Old Post Office (once the gaoler’s home); The Old Gaol (which includes a restaurant these days); and a Georgian double-storey building (now occupied by the Museum).
Swellengrebel Street slopes down to cross the Koornlands (Korenlands?) River.
Beautiful – I believe these are not grasses but reeds; I think this is a thatching reed.
Joseph Barry established a major trading empire in Swellendam, with ships, wagons, and shops, enabling him to trade in the surrounding area and with Cape Town and Europe.
The Dutch Reformed Church on Voortrek Street is an imposing building (separate post to follow!)
The mile marker on Voortrek Street reminds us of the importance of this road.
The Oefeningshuis on Voortrek Street was built as a church or meeting house for the instruction of heathens and is one of many churches on this main street.
Osloo House once had broekie lace decoration under the eaves (old photograph).
You may be interested in
The oldest towns in South Africa
Fynbos and its habitat
Old photographs of Swellendam, & other sites in South Africa
Anne Guy
Looks an interesting place. Are the reeds restios?
Candy Blackham
Yes, they are and quite dramatic. Swellendam is quite elegant, although, of course, there are poorer and less advantaged areas. One does not ‘visit’ these areas although you are aware of them and see them while travelling.