South Africa’s oldest churches are anchors in time.
Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons
They carry the stories of settlers, missionaries and local communities who built them with a mix of faith and determination. These sacred buildings are among the earliest examples of colonial architecture. Yet, they also reflect the cultural exchanges that shaped the nation’s past. For visitors, they offer a chance to experience history by stepping into spaces where generations have gathered for centuries.
St George’s Church and Cathedral, Cape Town
St George’s Anglican Cathedral is one of Cape Town’s most recognisable landmarks. The first St George’s Church was consecrated in 1834, making it the oldest Anglican church in Southern Africa. The current cathedral, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and begun in 1901, became far more than a place of worship. Under Archbishop Desmond Tutu, it played a pivotal role as a rallying point for the anti-apartheid movement. That’s why it was nicknamed “the People’s Cathedral.” Visitors today are drawn to its beautiful stained glass windows, and its significance in South Africa’s journey toward democracy.
Sendinggestig, Cape Town
The Sendinggestig, or Mission Church, tells a different story from the churches of settlers and colonists. Opened in 1804, it was built as a place of worship for freed slaves and indigenous converts. This led to it becoming known as the “Mother Church” of the South African Missionary Society. Its plain exterior conceals a deeply significant past. A past that highlights the resilience of communities who were often excluded from mainstream society. Today the church operates as part of the Slave Lodge Museum complex. It is a reminder of Cape Town’s complex social and cultural history.
St John’s Anglican Church, Bathurst (Eastern Cape)
The town of Bathurst is home to St John’s Anglican Church, one of South Africa’s oldest unaltered Anglican churches. Built in 1838 by the 1820 Settlers, the church is a modest stone building that reflects the frontier spirit of its time. The thick walls and small windows reveal the practical needs of settlers who faced both isolation and conflict on the colonial border. Services continue to this day, and for visitors, attending one offers a moving connection to almost two centuries of uninterrupted worship.
Groote Kerk, Cape Town
The Groote Kerk, or “Great Church,” is home to the oldest Christian congregation in South Africa. Founded in 1678 by the Dutch Reformed Church, it has been a centre of worship for more than 340 years. While the current structure was completed in 1841, its bell tower dates back to 1704, making it one of the oldest surviving pieces of church architecture in the country. Visitors come not only for its history but also for its remarkable pulpit, carved from East Indian teak and considered one of the most beautiful examples of craftsmanship in South Africa. Located in Cape Town’s central business district, the Groote Kerk is an easy stop for anyone exploring the city’s historic heart.
Lutheran Church, Cape Town
Hidden behind a discreet façade on Strand Street lies the oldest church building in continuous use in South Africa. The Lutheran Church was completed in 1792 after years of lobbying by Lutheran residents who were initially denied the right to worship independently. Today it stands as a national monument, its Georgian architecture simple yet elegant. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate, with wooden galleries and an organ that has accompanied worshippers for centuries. Its quiet presence contrasts with the bustle of modern Cape Town, making it a rewarding stop for those interested in the city’s layered heritage.
Strooidak Church, Paarl
Drive out to the winelands, and you will find the Strooidak Church in Paarl. Established in 1691 by French Huguenots who settled in the valley, it remains one of the oldest churches in the country. The name “Strooidak” refers to its thick thatched roof, which, together with its whitewashed walls, embodies classic Cape Dutch architecture. Visitors often marvel at how well it has been preserved, with services still held beneath the same thatch that sheltered the earliest congregants. Paarl itself is worth exploring for its wine estates and rich history, making a visit to the Strooidak Church an ideal cultural stop on a day trip.
These sacred buildings are woven into the landscapes of cities, winelands, and rural towns, each carrying stories of hope, struggle and endurance. They are living testaments of the intersection between faith and history.
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