Chavonnes Battery: Watchdog of Table Bay...

This early Cape Town Historical Visitor Attraction showcases a unique Cultural Tourism journey commencing from the original shoreline which has been buried for 140 years where the ruins of the Chavonnes Battery rest. Built in 1724, the first in a range of VOC coastal defences to deter sea-borne aggressors and named after the Governor, its stable firing platform with 16 large cannons enabled gunners to bring accurate fire to bear on hostile ships from its perch as watchdog of the bay.

Buried treasure...

The Chavonnes Battery was partially demolished and buried in 1860, its stone reused for the Alfred Basin adjacent to the Clock Tower, its new sentinel in SA's oldest working harbour. In 1999, the Chavonnes Battery was re-discovered, excavated and conserved in architectural ingenuity.

Museum / Heritage Site: Time travel to Cape Town 300 years ago...

Visitors are invited to don an 18th Century tricorn hat and step below sea-level for fascinating perspectives of the 17th to 19th Century Cape Town. On the shoreline, it starts at a time of postal stones, shipwrecks and isolation wards, soldiers and slaves, exiles and explorers, locals and settlers, knechts and convicts. Displays show the result of the excavation work, including a magic carpet and a (wishing) well. Detailed models depict the battery in its heyday, a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town and Table Bay and detailed displays about cannonry. Explore the largest selection of muzzle loaded cannons in the country. Witness the loading and firing of a cannon, fire off a shot, enjoy marching drills and flag raising routines. Where memories are made and pictures shared.

Guided Tours: Meander through the history on a walking tour...

Our guides dressed in period costume share stories of the people and events that led to the birth of Cape Town in the museum and The V&A Waterfront Historical Walking Tour includes points of interest and fascinating historical relics of the early days, such as the rocket lifesaving apparatus, the first power station, the last boom defence vessel and the rat catcher's cottage and those added later as the harbour developed, such as the torture Treadmill, still to be seen, if you let us show you.

Host your special event in this unique setting...

With split levels and outdoor flow, Table Mountain and the V&A your backdrop, this exclusive location has hosted the prestigious Da Vinci The Genius travelling exhibition, cocktail parties, themed events, book and product launches, corporate and government workshops and seminars.

The museum is open 7 Days a week from 9am to 4pm, Entrance is R35 for Adults and R25 for Seniors. Guided Tours of the museum and the V&A Waterfront Historical Walking Tour are available by pre-booking.

Phone: +27 (0) 21416 6230

Email: info@chavonnesbattery.co.za

Website: http://www.chavonnesbattery.co.za