Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands
Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands
The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum is located in the historic town of Tulbagh in the Western Cape's Winelands, South Africa. The museum is housed in Tulbagh's oldest church building, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, which dates back to 1743. The church is a significant cultural landmark in the region, and the museum serves to preserve and showcase the rich history and heritage of the area.
Origins: The Oude Kerk, meaning "Old Church," was the first church built in Tulbagh and is a prime example of Cape Dutch architecture. It functioned as a place of worship until 1951 when a new church was built. Afterward, it was converted into a museum, where it now houses a collection of historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to the early settlers, the local community, and the town's religious history. The museum offers insights into the rural lifestyle of Tulbagh's past, featuring furniture, tools, and personal items that reflect the town’s rich cultural tapestry.
The Earthquake: One of the most defining moments in Tulbagh’s recent history was the devastating earthquake of 1969, which caused extensive damage to many buildings in the town, including the Old Church. On 29 September 1969 at 10:05pm, an earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, severely affected Tulbagh’s historical Church Street, which is known for its Cape Dutch houses. Restoration efforts took place after the quake, during which the church and many buildings were painstakingly restored to their original designs. The museum serves as a reminder of the earthquake and the resilience of the Tulbagh community in preserving their heritage.
Exhibits: The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum is part of a group of four museums in Tulbagh, which also include De Oude Drostdy, Die Ou Volksmuseum, and Die Schalkenbosch Museum, all working to conserve the region’s history. In addition to religious artifacts, the museum exhibits various aspects of Afrikaans cultural history, agricultural tools from the early days of farming in the valley, and educational displays about the 1969 earthquake and the town’s recovery.
Contact details for the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum:
Address: Church Street, Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0) 23 230 1041
Email: see website
Website: https://www.tulbaghmuseum.co.za
Accommodation Near Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands
Big Sky Villa
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Tulbagh
0.7km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsBig Sky Villa is situated in the heart of Tulbagh town. Walking distance from the Central Business District. Tulbagh is famous for its historic Church Street, breathtaking scenery, wine and olive farms as well as wedding venues. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Tulbagh
4.6km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsEikelaan Farm Cottage. On offer at this neat working farm with wheat, vines, olives, sheep and cattle are 3 luxury self-catering cottages all fronted by an open vista of green fields merging into blue mountains - an appealing contrast of the soft... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Milkshed
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Tulbagh
5.2km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsThe Milkshed is a spacious self catering cottage and can accommodate 7 adults with comfort and ease.There are three double en-suite bedrooms, two with bath and shower facilities and the third a bath only. Situated in Tulbagh, Western Cape. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Welbedacht Game & Nature Reserve
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Tulbagh
7.8km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsWelbedacht Game & Nature Reserve offers a stunning retreat in the countryside. The equipped self catering cottages have shady verandas with mountain water plunge pools, log fireplaces and braai places as well as fresh linen and towels and a supply of fire …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tulbagh Mountain Cabin & Bungalow
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Tulbagh
12km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsSituated in the Tulbagh Wine Valley between Tulbagh and Wolseley and at the foot of the Winterhoek Mountains, the Mountain Cabin and Mountain Bungalow offer a tranquil hideaway from city life. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Big Sky Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ceres
18.3km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsBig Sky Cottages is a mere hour drive from Cape Town and offers 10 modern self-catering semi-detached cottages on the foothills of the Mostertshoek Mountain between Wolseley and Ceres, overlooking the beautiful Buchu lands with breathtaking views... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
White Bridge Farm
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Wolseley
18.3km from Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape WinelandsWhether you are looking for adventure or simply a break away from the city, let White Bridge Farm be your choice of destination. Situated between the R46 and the R43, we are well positioned to visit either Tulbagh, Wolseley or Ceres. We will guarantee tha …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Saronsberg Theatre - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands (0.35km)
- De Oude Drostdy Museum - Tulbagh (3.38km)
- Waterval Nature Reserve - nr Tulbagh, Western Cape (9.67km)
- Voelvlei Nature Reserve & Dam - nr Tulbagh, Cape Winelands (11.95km)
- Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve (15.12km)
- Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area - Cape West Coast (16.66km)
