4 Haunting Tales of Iconic Cape Town Landmarks

Just in time for Halloween, we have gathered four haunting tales from Cape Town. While hiking up Table Mountain, we'll definitely listen for the haunting melody of the flautist.

1. Castle of Good Hope

This castle is known as one of the most visited sites in Cape Town, constructed between 1666 and 1679 by enslaved laborers. It is the oldest surviving building in South Africa and has been the center of civilian and military life for centuries. Its stories are rich, filled with cries from Donker Gat and whispers of shadowy soldiers along the battlements.

The castle's dark past includes its use as a prison and a torture chamber during the Second Boer War, sharing its haunting legacy with spirits like Lady Anne Barnard.

The tower's bell is often said to be rung by the spirit of a soldier who hanged himself there centuries ago, while the spirit of Governor Pieter Gysbert van Noodt is rumored to haunt the halls.

2. Groote Schuur Hospital

In the shadow of Devil’s Peak, Groote Schuur Hospital feels eerie. Stories of restless souls wandering its halls are common. Patients share encounters with unknown nurses and tales of a woman with "white eyes" who allegedly took her own life.

3. Green Point Lighthouse

This red-and-white striped Green Point is a well-known city landmark. Legends speak of the ghostly keeper W.S. West, whose voice is still reported to echo through the night.

4. Table Mountain

Lastly, the Table Mountain carries a grim tale of a fallen governor's son, whose flute melodies are said to still resonate through the Platteklip Gorge.