Towns and suburbs

Constantia

Constantia

History of Constantia

This is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most historic suburbs, located in the fertile valley on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Known for its world-class wine estates, lush landscapes, and grand homes, the suburb epitomizes elegance and tradition in the Cape. Its rich history dates back to the early days of the Cape Colony, making it one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wine-producing regions.

Groot Constantia estate, founded by Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape, in 1685, is the cornerstone of the area’s wine heritage. Today, the estate operates as a museum and continues to produce wines, maintaining its historic legacy. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the local wines gained international acclaim, particularly for their sweet dessert wines, which were highly favoured by European royalty, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

For over 200 years, the area remained a rural area predominantly inhabited by freed slaves who worked as farmers, farm labourers, and fruit and flower sellers. However, in 1961, the Group Areas Act classified the suburb as a white area, leading to the forced removal of its non-white residents to the Cape Flats. This marked a significant shift in the area’s demographic and social landscape.

During the Dutch conquest of Sumatra, Sheikh Abdurachman Matebe Shah and Sheikh Mahmoud were exiled. They brought Islam to South Africa. Sheikh Abdurachman Matebe Shah died in 1682, and his grave (Kramat) remains visible along Spansgemat River Road, honouring his legacy.

Today, the suburb is one of Cape Town’s most sought-after and upmarket suburbs. It combines historic charm with modern luxury.

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Things to do and places to see in Constantia

Useful Numbers

  • Police: Diep River 021 710 7300
  • Traffic department:
  • Fire: 021 794 1128
  • Water: 0860 103 089
  • Electricity: 021 710 9430
  • Sub-council office; 021 444 8112
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Closest hospital-Constantiaberg clinic021 799 2911
  • SPCA: 021 700 4140 
  • Post office; 021 794 5796
  •  Residents Association: 021 715 6009
  • Library; Meadowridge Library 021 712 9382
  • Museum: Groot Constantia museum 021 795 5147
  • Schools:
  1.  Waldorf school: 021 794 2103
  2. Preschool:  021 794 109
  3. Herzlia  Primary School  021 286 3951
  4. Primary school:021 794 6186

Adjacent suburbs  are ; Bergvliet; Bishops Court; Plumstead Meadowridge and Tokai

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