V.O.C Kruithuis


After walking around in Dorp Street we made our way to the Braak or “fallow land”.  This open piece of land had many different uses over the years from fair grounds, market place and military parade.
Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch
Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch
At the one end we saw a small white building surrounded by a wall.  The date on the building was 1777 and immediately we were interested.  At first I thought it was a church due to the bell tower.  And I guess that was the reason the bell tower was added to the building.
Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch
Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch
This was the V.O.C Kruithuis or Powder Magazine built in 1777 to store ammunition.  It is the only remaining powder magazine from the days of the VOC. 
Inside Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch
Inside Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch

Today it is a museum.  The entrance fee was only R5 and we decided to take a look inside.  The museum displays a collection of firearms, cannons, military uniforms etc. It is very small with only two rooms.  It did not take long to look at all the displays.  Included in the entrance fee was a booklet with the history of the building and information about each item on display.
 Powder Magazine, Stellenbosch

It was an unexpected visit and an interesting part of our day.

For more information visit http://www.stelmus.co.za/voc_kruithuis.htm

Linking up with a Compass Rose for Travel Tuesday
Location: V.O.C. Kruithuis, Mark Road, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa

Comments

  1. Firefly the Travel Guy25 October, 2013 12:16

    I never realised there was a museum inside. The doors were closed when I was there so never got in.

    ReplyDelete

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