About St Georges Cathedral

St George’s Cathedral, a gorgeous example of Victorian era design with magnificent stained glass windows and a crypt in which there is a restaurant - reminiscent of St Martin’s in the Field in London - lies on Wale Street in Cape Town, and is known as ‘the people’s cathedral’ because of its role in the resistance against apartheid.

Did you know? Known as 'the people's Cathedral' for its role in the resistance against apartheid, St. George's Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Southern Africa.

St George’s kept its doors open to people of all races throughout the apartheid era, and it was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, after he led a mass demonstration of 30 000 people to Grand Parade in 1989, who coined the phrase ‘rainbow people’ to describe South Africa’s diverse population. And the Cathedral’s accessibility to all people of Cape Town doesn’t stop there.

The Very Reverend Rowan Smith is one of the first priests in the country to be open about his sexual identity, and, far from being rejected by St George’s congregation for his gay orientation, he has been accepted by his church. St Geoge's Cathedral is the site of one of the country’s few labyrinths, and its stained glass windows include the work of Gabriel Loire. The central panel of the great west window is dominated by the figure of the triumphant Christ.

This Christ is black - a visual counterpart to the white Christ of Calvary that stands above the High Altar - a bid to make sure that the Cathedral’s images of Christ represent the fullness of humanity. The right-hand panel of this work includes the figure of Mahatma Gandhi because of his inspiration to combat racism with love. It is also a tribute to the inter-faith co-operation central to the Cathedral’s vision as a genuinely ‘people’s cathedral’.

Need to Know

WhereSt Georges Cathedral, 5 Wale Street, Cape Town Central, Cape Town, South Africa

WhenPlease enquire.

Telephone+27 (0)21 424-7360

OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

Also See These Attractions

Museums

District Six Museum

When the apartheid government swooped on District Six, Cape Town in 1965, forcibly removing its occupants and declaring the area a "whites-only" zone, the rich fabric of an impoverished but vibrant community was torn to shreds. Over 60 000 people were ...

Landmarks / Mandela Route

Houses of Parliament

The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament - Cape Town is the legislative capital, whilst the seat of government is in Pretoria, the administrative capital - which is one of the biggest draw ...

Mandela Route / Landmarks / Entertainment / National Monuments

Grand Parade

Grand Parade, as its name suggests, served as a military parade ground for many years and as a stage for public participation, be it as a venue for major political rallies or flea market stalls. Its greatest claim to fame, however, is that it was where ...

Nelson Mandela

Fascinated with Past President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela? Nelson Mandela is one of the world's most remarkable leaders. Find out more about his past and his impact on South Africa's present and future, and follow in his footsteps with our curated Mandela Route of South Africa.

A Tribute to Nelson Mandela

The Mandela Route

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to St Georges Cathedral

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation

Cape Town as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Cape Town Central property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.