History

The town of Stellenbosch developed from a colony of settlers to whom land had been granted on the banks of the Eerste River. The name Stellenbosch was given to a small island in the Eerste River by Simon van der Stel, Commander of the Cape, who had encamped there with his entourage in 1679.

The valley was fertile and particularly suited to agriculture, and the riverbanks and surrounding areas well wooded by beautiful tall trees. The Dutch East India Company intended that fruit and vegetables be grown here to supply ships on-route to and from the East Indies. The early settlers were encouraged to plant oak trees, as the oak lines streets bear testimony today, and the country's second oldest town (after Cape Town) became affectionately known as Eikestad town of oaks.

In 1859 after years spent seeking permission from the authorities, a theological seminary was established and this led to the town's proud heritage as a leading educational centre. In 1918 a university was founded and this was followed by the subsequent establishment of many other educational institutions. Today the impact of many architectural influences over the last three centuries “ Cape-Dutch, Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Cape-Dutch Revival “ are to be seen in the meticulously restored buildings situated in the charming town centre, and on the surrounding wine farms.