10 Fun Facts about Napier

Napier is a quiet yet artsy village located in the southern Cape and signifies the beginning of the Cape Agulhas region. Although it is known as the perfect country getaway to relax and get away from it all, there might be some things about the town that might surprise you. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 fun facts about Napier:

1. The town of Napier was established in 1836.
2. The town holds an Ox Wagon Monument, erected in 1988 to commemorate the Great Trek (Groot Trek) of 1838.
3. Napier is home to the largest sundial in South Africa which can be visited at the municipal buildings in town. The sundial was built in 1965.
4. The main street of Napier is named after Sarel Cilliers, a survivor of the famous Waldensian that went on to be a well-known reverend to accompany families in the Great Trek (Groot Trek).
5. The church hall was declared a National Monument in 1978 and holds a unique part of the country’s history.
6. Napier has a sister town in New Zealand, the mayor of which visited the Overberg Napier in the early 1900’s.
7. The town was once very well known for its strawberries.
8. Napier was officially named after the then Governor of Cape Town, Sir George Thomas Napier.
9. The famous Feeshuis (festival house) was also declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1978.
10. The town came to existence due to a quarrel between Michiel van Breda (“father” of Bredasdorp) and Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl.

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