Napier is located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape of South Africa. It lies at the foot of the Soetmuisberg, between Caledon and Bredasdorp and is surrounded by rolling farmlands.
Napier was founded in 1838 and named after Sir George Thomas Napier, the British Governor of the Cape Province at the time. The history around the dispute between Michiel van Breda and Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl about the building of a church, either in Napier or Bredasdorp, makes for interesting reading. Eventually, two churches were built, one in each town. The imposing Napier Dutch Reformed church is built in the form of a Greek cross with teak interior, beautiful pipe organ of solid yellow copper and is situated in the centre of the village.
The Feeshuis, one of the oldest buildings in the town alongside the church, was used as slave quarters during 1810-1820, and later as a wine cellar, was restored in 1988 to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary. The sundial at the municipal offices was erected by Danie du Toit in 1965, who had no training in this field but gained his knowledge through meticulous observation. Time can still be read from it, accurate to within 30 seconds.
Napier has good rural infrastructure which includes convenience stores and is close to Bredasdorp for all other needs. The village is clean, efficiently and well run under the Cape Agulhas Municipality. The people are friendly and serious crime is very low. Rainfall is during the winter months. Wind and temperatures are moderate and the cost of living is reasonable.
The popularity of Napier has increased and the town now ranks alongside villages such as Stanford, Montagu, Greyton and McGregor. Annual events include the annual Napier Wine & Patatfees Festival (Sweet Potato Festival). Active community and regular activities include weekly food, art and craft markets, along with the annual chor festivals and other varied cultural events. Other activities include cycing, fishing, bird-watching, walking and visiting the local wineries in Napier has a reputation as a foodie delight with restaurants catering to all tastes.
Napier is a mixture of modern and century-old cottages. Many of the original historical cottages, with their wooden floors and thatch roofs, have been lovingly restored.
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