Graaff-Reinet is South Africa’s fourth oldest town and is home to some magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The town has over 220 heritage sites which is more than any other town in South Africa. For more information on the town, go to Graaff Reinet Tourism.
As you drive down the town’s main street, an imposing building waits for you at the end of it. The Dutch Reformed Church is situated in the centre of town and is one of Graaff-Reinet’s main landmarks. The church is a replica of Salisbury Cathedral with the corner stone laid on 12 April 1886.
The architect was Bisset and it is said to be one of the best examples of early Gothic style architecture in South Africa. The church is the fourth church to be erected on the same spot. It was built using local sandstone. The ecclesiastical silver in use at the church is exceptionally valuable and is only viewable in pictorial form. The church’s steeple is 150 feet high and the church is lighted throughout with stained glass windows. The pulpit is an extremely handsome Gothic style structure.
At night this magnificent building is lit up and makes as beautiful a sight as it does during the day.
The history and information on the church I got off the Karoo Park Guest House website.
The church looks amazing, and especially when it's lit at night!
This church architecture is truly awesome. If I get inland enough, I'll add some Heritage sites to my list.
Interesting .. as usual!! Love my morning history/cultural lesson, thanks to you! Skull photo is great and those ants … up close and personal!!
Very interesting Jonker. I have not been there for years and although I know those churches well, I have never seen it lit up like that.
I didn't realise that there were so many heritage sites in GR! This church is gorgeous and somehow even more impressive that Sailsbury as the white trim realyl emphasises the form. My grandparents apparently married in the other replica church in GR – the one that looks like St-Martins- in-the-Fields 🙂