Statue of Maria van Riebeeck, Cape Town

#33 among attractions in Cape Town

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Facts and practical information

In the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, stands a tribute to an influential woman in the city's early history – the Statue of Maria van Riebeeck. This notable sculpture, crafted by the artist Dirk Wolbers, pays homage to the wife of Jan van Riebeeck, who was the founder of Cape Town and the first commander of the Dutch settlement in the area.

Maria van Riebeeck, née de la Quellerie, accompanied her husband in 1652 when he established a supply station for the Dutch East India Company. Her presence and role in the burgeoning community are immortalized by Wolbers' statue, which captures her not just as the wife of a prominent colonial figure, but as a person of significance in her own right.

The statue is a point of cultural interest for both locals and tourists, as it represents a tangible connection to the city's colonial past. It is a piece of art that prompts reflection on the complexities of history and the narratives of the people who played a part in shaping the Cape Town of today.

Visitors to Cape Town can find the statue in a prominent location, where it stands as a silent witness to the evolution of the city from its early days as a Dutch settlement to its current status as a vibrant metropolis. While not as towering or as visited as the iconic Table Mountain or Robben Island, the Statue of Maria van Riebeeck is nonetheless an important marker of the city's historical landscape.

Alternative names: Elevation: 463 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°56'39"S, 18°25'6"E

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Table MountainCape Town South Africa

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Day trips

Statue of Maria van Riebeeck – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Table Mountain, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Statues of Louis Botha, Labia Theatre.

1.3 miSW
Natural attraction, Cliff
Table Mountain, Table Mountain National Park
33 min walk • Table Mountain, a prominent landmark towering over the city of Cape Town, South Africa, is a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. This flat-topped mountain is not only a significant tourist attraction but also a symbol of the city, often featured...
1.1 miSW
Aerial tramway
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Town
28 min walk • Rising majestically above the vibrant city of Cape Town, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a unique perspective of this breathtaking corner of South Africa. This aerial tramway, first opened to the public in 1929, has since become an iconic feature of the...
1.1 miN
Monuments and statues
Statues of Louis Botha
30 min walk • The Statues of Louis Botha stand as a testament to South Africa's complex history, serving as monuments to a controversial figure in the nation's past. Louis Botha was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa and a key military leader during the Second...
1 miN
Nightlife, Theater, Concerts and shows
Labia Theatre, Cape Town
27 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, the Labia Theatre stands as a cherished gem among cinema enthusiasts and a beacon of cultural heritage. This independent movie theatre, with its quaint charm and old-world ambiance, offers a unique cinematic experience far removed...
1 miN
Major museum for African and European art
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town
27 min walk • The Iziko South African National Gallery stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Cape Town, showcasing a rich tapestry of art that spans both historical and contemporary works. This premier art museum is not just a repository of artworks but a vibrant space for the...
1.2 miN
Park, Garden
Company's Garden, Cape Town
30 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, lies the verdant oasis known as the Company's Garden. This historic park, established in the early 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, was originally created as a refreshment station for ships passing the Cape...
1.2 miN
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
District Six Museum, Cape Town
31 min walk • The District Six Museum is a poignant testament to a turbulent chapter in Cape Town's history, located in the heart of the city. This museum, which serves both as a memorial to the forced displacement of the community during the apartheid era and as a center for...
1.2 miN
Memorial
Cecil John Rhodes Statue, Cape Town
31 min walk • The Cecil John Rhodes Statue is a monument erected at Company's Garden in Cape Town. The statue was erected in 1908. It features a full body replica of Rhodes wearing a three-piece suit, standing with his left hand raised and pointing north.
0.6 miNW
Park, Playground, Art Nouveau architecture
De Waal Park, Cape Town
15 min walk • De Waal Park is a public park and heritage site in the Oranjezicht suburb of Cape Town. The park, which contains over 120 species of trees, is popular with dog walkers. The park is roughly rectangular. Molteno Dam borders the park to the south, with the other three sides bordered by roads.
1.1 miN
Fossils, animals and man-made artifacts
Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town
28 min walk • The Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden since 1897. The museum houses important African zoology, palaeontology and archaeology collections.
1 miN
Museum
Rust en Vreugd
25 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Rust en Vreugd stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the region. This elegant Dutch colonial house, built in 1777-1778, was originally the country residence of Willem Cornelis Boers, a high-ranking...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Statue of Maria van Riebeeck?

Nearby attractions include Disa Park, Cape Town (13 min walk), Molteno Dam, Cape Town (14 min walk), De Waal Park, Cape Town (15 min walk), City Bowl (20 min walk).

How to get to Statue of Maria van Riebeeck by public transport?

The nearest stations to Statue of Maria van Riebeeck:

Bus

Herzlia • Lines: 101 (6 min walk)
Highlands • Lines: 101 (7 min walk)