Robben Island Museum
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Robben Island with Table Mountain in the background © South African Tourism, License![]()
Entrance to the prison on Robben Island, Cape Town. © Nurunnaby Chowdhury (Hasive), License
Robben Island Museum
The Robben Island Museum in Cape Town is a significant historical site, famously known as the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Located on Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum offers guided tours that provide insights into the harsh conditions faced by political prisoners during apartheid. Visitors can explore the prison cells, including Mandela's cell, and learn about the island's history as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment dating back to the 17th century. The museum also highlights the island's role in the struggle for democracy in South Africa and the resilience of the human spirit. In addition to the prison, the tour includes visits to the limestone quarry where prisoners were forced to work and other historical landmarks on the island. Accessible by ferry from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the Robben Island Museum serves as a powerful reminder of South Africa's turbulent past and its journey toward freedom and equality.
10 Interesting facts about the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town:
1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Robben Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to its historical significance and cultural heritage.
2. Political Prison History: The island is most famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment during the apartheid era.
3. Guided Tours by Former Prisoners: Many of the museum's guided tours are led by former political prisoners who share their personal experiences and stories, offering a unique and powerful perspective.
4. Multifunctional Use: Throughout its history, Robben Island has served various purposes, including a leper colony, a mental institution, and a military base before becoming a political prison.
5. Mandela's Cell: Visitors can see Nelson Mandela's small prison cell, which has been preserved to show the conditions he endured during his imprisonment.
6. Educational Exhibits: The museum offers comprehensive exhibits detailing the island's history, the struggle against apartheid, and the lives of those who were imprisoned there.
7. Natural Heritage: In addition to its historical significance, Robben Island is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered bird species and a large colony of African penguins.
8. Symbol of Freedom: Robben Island has become a powerful symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the ongoing fight for freedom and human rights.
9. Historical Buildings: The island features numerous historical buildings, including the maximum-security prison, the lime quarry where prisoners were forced to work, and the house where Robert Sobukwe, leader of the Pan Africanist Congress, was held in solitary confinement.
10. Accessibility: The museum is accessible via a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, offering visitors a chance to experience the scenic beauty of Table Bay while learning about the island's profound history.
Accommodation Near Robben Island Museum
Sand And See 107
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
8.6km from Robben Island MuseumIt is a spacious 2 bedroom flat, each room with its own en suite bathroom The main bedroom consists of a double bed and a lock-up safe is available in one of it's cupboards. The bathroom consists of a bath and an adjustable showerhead with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Blue Robin
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
8.8km from Robben Island MuseumThe Blue Robin is a totally refurbished self catering seaside holiday home in Bloubergstrand. We offer a relaxed stress free environment for the business executive or tourist. Entertain associates or friends on our deck which looks out on one of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nick's Seaside Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
8.9km from Robben Island MuseumSituated in Bloubergstrand village, in Cape Town, a stone's throw away from one of the most beautiful beaches on the South African coast line, you will find this holiday retreat. Ideal for the discerning traveler, Nick's Seaside Rest.... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mt Bijoux Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
8.9km from Robben Island MuseumOverlooking the Atlantic Ocean and situated in Bloubergstrand on the West Coast of Cape Town, you will find the Mt Bijoux Guest House for the ultimate in hospitality, adventure & immaculate opulence... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Rockpool 1208
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
9km from Robben Island MuseumSelf Catering Accommodation, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa A home away from home! Our clients just keep coming back to our unique apartments! Rockpool 1208 is situated on the beach front and upon entering the apartment... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sunset 1008
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
9.1km from Robben Island MuseumSunset 1008 is a stylish modern self catering apartment in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town with "epic uninterrupted views" of Table Mountain from across the ocean. The apartment sleeps 4 adults and 2 children with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (one en suite). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Quest Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Melkbosstrand
9.4km from Robben Island MuseumQuest Bed & Breakfast is situated in Melkbosstrand, a beautiful seaside village on the north-western fringe of the Cape Town Metropolis. Melkbosstrand is aptly considered the gateway to the West-Coast and is well known for its tranquillity, wide white... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea View Zeezicht
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
10.4km from Robben Island MuseumThis beachfront self-catering apartment is located in Bloubergstrand on the beautiful Atlantic Coast, with stunning sea and mountain views. The beach is famous for water sports on its endless white sand, and is situated between Dolphin Beach... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aandvari Zeezicht
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
10.4km from Robben Island MuseumAandvari Zeezicht right on the beach offering self catering accommodation (sleeps 5) in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. Aandvari Zeezicht - an elegant, two bedroomed apartment, in the heart of Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aandvari Ocean View
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant
10.5km from Robben Island MuseumLocated on Blouberg's beautiful beachfront is Aandvari Ocean View, a modern and luxurious sea-facing studio apartment, perfectly suited to honeymoon accommodation, special getaways, up market business accommodation or for a fun seaside holiday... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Cadiz Freedom Swim (0.36km)
- Robben Island - Cape Town (0.75km)
- Table Bay (8.02km)
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (8.88km)
- Green Point Lighthouse (10.54km)
- Metropolitan Golf Club (10.73km)
- Green Point Park (10.83km)
- Bloubergstrand Beach (10.84km)
- Granger Bay Harbour (10.85km)
- Cape Town Stadium (11.07km)
- Netcare Blaauberg Hospital (11.12km)
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market (11.14km)
- Green Point Market (11.25km)
- Cape Town Flea Markets (11.28km)
- Cape Medical Museum (11.44km)
- New Somerset Hospital (11.47km)
- Two Oceans Aquarium (11.72km)
- Aqua Festival (11.73km)
- International Oriental Dance Festival (11.75km)
- Cape Town Diamond Museum (11.85km)
