The History of Durbanville and the Tygerberg

Durbanville Winelands, Cape Town North

When Jan van Riebeeck arrived in the Cape and began exploring inland, the patterns in the vegetation gave the hills to the North East a striped appearance - so they were called Die Tygerberg (Tiger Mountain) – not because of the more romantic story that leopard were seen and were thought to be tigers.

Durbanville began as the first overnight stop (outspan) for wagons headed out of Cape Town. In 1825, local farmers petitioned to build their own church and a small village grew up around the outspan and the church – called Pampoenkraal. In 1836 the name was changed to D’Urban but to prevent confusion with Durban in Kwazulu Natal, it was renamed Durbanville in 1886.

The village grew rapidly from the turn of the century and by 1970 became a Magisterial District with its own courthouse and goal. The courthouse complex still exists within the Rust-en-Vrede complex, although the town is now part of the Bellville District.

Despite the fact that Durbanville has grown tremendously in the past 30 years, it retains a considerable individuality and character with a rural atmosphere and architecture.

Places To See In Durbanville

Onze Molen

In 1840 a mill was built and was used as a windmill until the early 1900s when the roof, wings and machinery were removed. It was then used as a horse mill until it became derelict and was turned into a labourer’s cottage. In 1963 it was restored based on Mostert Mill (near UCT).

Location
High Street
Aurora

Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery

The gallery is situated in an old Cape Dutch complex dating back to 1850 and is set in a beautifully landscaped garden.  Once a month on a Saturday morning there is a craft market held in the gardens.

Location
10 Wellington Road
Durbanville
Tel +27 21 9764691
Fax +27 21 9750468
OPENING HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 08:30 - 12:30

Rose Garden

Well laid out gardens, displaying a wonderful variety of roses. Lovely to lie on the lawns and breathe in the fragrances. There is a pleasant tea-room to complete the experience

Racecourse
Nature Reserve

A mix of Renoster and Mountain Fynbos – overlooking the Durbanville Polo Club and Racecourse

Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve

A gentle walk from the environmental centre to a shaded picnic area with spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain

Entertainment | Wine and Dine

Barnyard Theatre

Theatre where it all comes together. Situated at the Willowbridge Shopping Centre.

Villa Pascal

Location:
Cabaret and performers centre offering shows once or twice a week.
28 Van Der Westhuizen Street
Durbanville
Tel: 021 975 5280

Durbanville Wine Route

• Durbanville Wine Route
• Diemersdal Wine Estate
• Altygedacht Wine Estate
• Bloemendal Wines - Wine and Restaurant
• D'Aria - Wine and Restaurant
• De Grendel - Wine
• Durbanville Hills - Wine and Restaurant
• Hillcrest - Wine, restaurant, olives and olive oil
• Meerendal - Wine, restaurants
• Cafe Nitida - A picnic experience with a difference on the Nitida Wine Estate

Shopping

• Canalwalk Shopping Centre
• Cape Gate Shopping Centre
• Tyger Valley Shopping & Entertainment Centre
• Willowbridge Shopping Centre - a "Slow Market" in held on a Saturday morning ocne a month offering an extensive and varied range of home made items including jams, cakes and and home grown organic produce

Sport

• There are a number of excellent golf courses to choose from in the vicinity.
• Amazing moutain bike trails.  In association with Cycle Adventure Tours we offer mountain bike week-ends with coaching for rides from novice to elite, training and support
• Vodacom Golf Academy
• Planet Fitness About 300m up the road)
  The Vines Shopping Centre
  Burton Road
  Aurora
  Tel: 021 975 5210
• Virgin Active Gym (approx. 1.2 km down the road)
  Wellington Road
  Durbanville
  Tel: 021 975 5210