History on every corner

The Riebeek Valley was described by European explorers in 1661 and its first farms were granted in 1704. Long before that, Khoikhoi herders and San hunters lived here.

That long history is visible everywhere. The old church of 1855 is now the Riebeek Valley Museum. The Royal Hotel dates its building to 1862. Victorian and Edwardian houses line the village streets, and some of the farms still carry the names they were given more than three centuries ago.

The local heritage group has mapped a free, self-guided heritage walk of about 3.75 kilometres with 26 stops, starting at the old general store on Plein Street.

Our journal now includes twenty stories from the valley's past. They make a good companion to a walk through the village.