Towns and suburbs

Calitzdorp

Calitzdorp

History of Calitzdorp

The farm Buffelsvlei, located in the valley where Calitzdorp now stands, was originally a lake. With fertile alluvial soil on both sides of the river, agriculture thrives in this region. The area also showcases numerous rock paintings, which provide evidence of early San and Khoi inhabitants.

In 1821, authorities granted the land to JJ and MC Calitz, who later donated a portion of their farm for the construction of a church and school. Since Oudtshoorn was too far for farmers to attend the monthly “nagmaal” (church service), they needed a local church. Initially, they held services under a tree until they built a church in 1857. By 1910, the community needed larger buildings, and construction was completed in 1912. In 1913, Calitzdorp gained municipal status. The church, an excellent example of local sandstone architecture from the “ostrich era,” became a national monument in 1991. Other important buildings include the Standard Bank, which now serves as a museum.

Farmers grow not only grapes but also lucerne, grains, and tobacco, irrigated with water from the Calitzdorp Dam. Interestingly, builders constructed the dam wall as the first cement dam wall in South Africa.

Port Wine Capital

Calitzdorp proudly holds the title of “Port Wine Capital of South Africa.” Visitors can walk down Queens Street to admire the fine examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture, including the charming red stone church. The wine route features three notable cellars—Boplaas, Die Krans, and the Co-op cellar—that produce a range of red, white, and dessert wines.

The railway reached Calitzdorp in 1924, which brought economic hope to the area. It was only in 1937 that electricity was introduced to the town. The construction of the R62 in 1978 further established Calitzdorp as a key destination, drawing many tourists who come to enjoy its famous port wines, despite the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions like droughts and floods.

The postal code for Calitzdorp is 6660

WATHER IN CALITZDORP TODAY

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Things to do and see in Calitzdorp

  • -Boplaas Winery and distillery
  • –Assegaaibosch pass
  • Coetzee’s poort
  • The town hosts South Africa’s only succulent festival (Vetplant fees) annually in September 076 298 7337
  • Doornkloof pass
  • Redstone MTB challenge
  • Uncorked trail run
  • Historical walk, see PDF here
  • Port wine festival
  • De Krans Blossom Festival-August/September. Celebrating Spring blossoms symbolizes the start of a new year for the fruit and wine industry 044 – 213 3314/64
  • Read about the geology of Calitzdorp and its surrounds

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 044 213 8800
  • Municipality:028 551 1023 32 Church St Ladismith
  • Traffic department: 044 213 3312
  • Fire: 028 551 1023 / 8000
  • Water:028 551 8000 or 083 301 6641
  • Electricity:028 551 8000 or 083 301 6641 / 073 087 7304
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; 044 213 3727
  • Library: 044 213 3393
  • Closest hospital; clinic 044 213 3623
  • Pharmacy; Spar pharmacy 044 213 3038
  • SPCA: Garden route SPCA 044 693 0824
  • Tourism: 0442133775 Website    Facebook page
  • Schools: Calitzdorp High 044 213 3313
    Kruis rivier 0442133075
  • Museum; 072 221 7171

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