Cape Point is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, but many people who visit here are unaware of the secrets and fascinating facts that have helped to make this unique rocky promontory what it is today.
The name Cape of Good Hope dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese sailor Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to view Cape Point while in search of the southern tip of the African continent.
The Portuguese government erected two prominent crosses at Cape Point that serve as a navigational aid – when lined up.
There are two lighthouses at Cape Point, only one of which is still in operation as a nautical guide.
Ships approaching from the east could also see the light too easily, often causing them to approach too closely.
Because of this, they often wrecked on the rocks before rounding the peninsula. In fact, it was the wreck of the Lusitania, on Bellows Rock below the lighthouse in 1911.
