The Riebeek Valley consists of two twin villages, Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, laid out on the slopes of Kasteelberg, a 946-metre high solitary sandstone mountain. At about 80 kilometres northeast of Cape Town, the Riebeek Valley is easily accessible to tourists and popular for day visitors.
The hot dry summers and cool wet winters together with this area’s fertile soil, have led to the development of undulating wheat fields, vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards among deep river valleys and mountains landscapes, frequently snow capped during winter. Landmarks include: The Royal Hotel (the oldest in SA), the Olive Boutique, Le Petit Chocolat, The Olienhout ‘Post Office’ Tree, the Old Railway Station buildings, museums, various wine estates, the Short Street Market, and the Village Market. It is a food lovers’ paradise with many restaurants, bistros and coffee shops. Well-known for its art, antiques, crafts, craft beer and a wide selection of gins, the town has plenty to offer in terms of retail and resources, e.g. builders, PPC, architects and interior decorators. Travellers and outdoor enthusiasts always like to linger longer, so both villages boast an array of activities and accommodation.
Originally wagon makers and other artisans inhabited Riebeek Kasteel, while retired farmers settled in Riebeek West. Its architectural history is entwined in its religious history. It took a day or so to get to the Zwartland church and Stellenbosch was a three-week return trip. Farmers and their families usually stayed several days bartering goods and socialising as well as worshipping. Some people owned a house near their church and others camped in their wagons. In 1850 the whole community agreed to build a church in Riebeek Kasteel (De Oude Kerk, completed 1855, opened 1881 due to lack of funds), but halfway through the wealthier residents of Riebeek West withdrew and built another church (four kilometres down the road), which opened first since they could afford a dominee (pastor). This created a rift (now friendly rivalry) between the two villages. Today both radiate rural charm. Many writers and artists have made the valley their home, eliciting only an arty, alternative, appealing atmosphere.
