Grahamstown

Grahamstown prides itself with tradition and colonial archit

Grahamstown is known by many descriptive names, such as the Settlers City in memory of the huge part it played when it was still a frontier town. Also the City of Saints on account of the number of churches, the City of Schools as it is renowned for its many excellent schools and of course its University, and then also the Sleepy Hollow. The latter, apparently because Grahamstown lies in a warm hollow in the hills, but perhaps more aptly when the schools and University are on vacation and the world famous Winter Arts Festival is not in full swing.

Grahamstown has a rich history and therefore many historical attractions can be visited. Probably the most well-known is the 1820 Settlers National Monument. Another structure dedicated to the memory of the Settlers is the Settlers Memorial Tower, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the British Settlers arrival. 1820 Settlers National Monument. Because the final building plans were not completed, it was suggested that it be incorporated into the building which was to become the Grahamstown City Hall. Other interesting Grahamstown buildings include the Provost Prison, the building of which was instructed by Sir Benjamin dUrban, Governor of the Cape Colony to be used as a military prison. It is a modification of a panopticon designed by Jeremy Bentham for a Russian prince in 1787 on the principal of ceaseless surveillance. The increasing number of 1820 Settlers moving into Grahamstown led to the construction of two narrow streets at right angles to each other to divide a large block of the town grid, hence the Artificers Square, deriving its name from the inhabitants - skilled artisans or "artificers" - whose services were much in demand.

Grahamstown is host to a number of festivals each year, the most famous and most successful being the Grahasmtown/Stanard Bank National Arts Festival during June/July. Other festivals include the Schools Festival and the Sasol Science Festival during March/April.

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