Visit Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa

Swellendam Missionary © Image: Noleen Kutash

The town of Swellendam located in the Western province of South Africa, was founded in the mid-1700s. It is the third oldest town in South Africa. The town was officially established as an administrative centre in 1743. In 1795, the town declared itself an independent republic in revolt against the Dutch East India Company.

The Drostdy © Image: Noleen Kutash

The Drostdy was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1747. Between 1812 and 1825 it went through an extensive remodel. The purpose of the original Drostdy was to serve as residence and official headquarters for the Landdrost. A majority of the fifty heritage sites in Swellendam are of Cape Dutch architecture.

Swellendam’s greater area consists of six smaller towns including Buffeljags, Cape Infanta, Suurbraak, Stormsvlei, Malgas, and Barrydale.