Discovering Roeland Street's Hidden Gems in Cape Town

Welcome aboard to Roeland Street, a busy street in the center of Cape Town, South Africa. The cultural and historical landscape of the city is fundamentally shaped by Roeland Street, and both inhabitants and tourists are guaranteed to have a memorable time there.

the side path leading up to numerous of the buildings on Roeland Street

Roeland Street is a significant thoroughfare that runs from the Fire Station and CPU campus to Parliament. It has a lengthy history and is home to a variety of cultural groups. In this blog post, we'll concentrate on the area of Roeland Street regarded as the city's creative center.

In recent years, Roeland Street has changed, becoming a thriving center for entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. Numerous galleries, design studios, and co-working spaces can be found on the street, which serves the growing creative community of the city.

Roeland street fire station  

 

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The trek starts at the top of Roland Street, adjacent to the Fire Station and the campus of Cape Peninsula University of Technology. We instantly notice the tall trees that flank the street and provide a natural canopy as we begin to move down it. In the middle of the city's activity, the trees offer much-needed shade and a sense of tranquility.

 

The stunning Art Deco building known as the Alex La Guam Building, which was constructed in the 1930s, is one of Roeland Street's most notable structures. The structure was formerly a movie theater, and Alexander "Alex" La Guam, a well-known Cape Town businessman, was its owner. Several design studios and creative businesses are now housed in the Alex La Guam Building, which has been renovated. 

 the Hope Exchange building, also called the Salesian Institute Youth Projects building.

On Roeland Street in Cape Town, South Africa, is where you can find the Hope Exchange building, also called the Salesian Institute Youth Projects building. It is a multipurpose building that acts as a focal point for numerous services and initiatives targeted at enhancing the lives of local disadvantaged youth. 

The structure was initially constructed in 1903 as a girls' school, but it was later converted to offer social services to the neighborhood. In order to create a contemporary, welcoming environment for the adolescents they assist, the Salesian Institute adolescents Projects completely restored the facility after assuming ownership of it in 2003.

Gallery's image of St. Mary's Cathedral

Welcome to St. Mary's cathedral, which the Archbishop McCann consecrated in 1951 and is less political and more pious. It was created by architect Otto Hager at the Cape Town offices of Carel Spaarman, who also designed a number of churches. Its architecture exhibits a subdued Neo-Gothic design with recognizable pointed arches. The inside of the building is 37.5 meters by 19 meters, with a 20-meter ceiling. With the likes of explorers like Vasco De Gama and the infamous Dutch East Indian Company, religion has a long history in this nation. This cathedral symbolizes the Catholics' tenacity during a period when they were forbidden under Dutch authority; consider it a holy honor.

Roeland Street Mini Market is the place to go for delicious takeout, so fuel up with convenience and flavor there.

Anyone searching for a quick snack or a few necessities will find the Roeland Street mini market to be a charming and practical stop. This compact but well-stocked business in the center of Cape Town provides a selection of take-out meals, including sandwiches, wraps, and freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, a variety of groceries are sold at the market, including basic pantry essentials, dairy products, and fresh produce. The welcoming and accommodating staff is always available to help customers with their purchases or to recommend unique local foods and beverages. Roeland Street Mini Market is the ideal place to go whether you're rushing or just looking for a great treat.

Unique ceramic works are created in Anthony Shapiro's Roeland Street studio utilizing environmentally friendly methods and materials.

A well-known ceramic artist from Cape Town, South Africa, Anthony Shapiro maintains a studio on the bustling Roeland Street. Shapiro and his team create their distinctive ceramic works in the studio, which is a buzzing and creative environment. These works are renowned for their distinctive shapes, textures, and glazes. From the first shaping of the clay to the final firing in the kiln, visitors to the studio may witness firsthand how these lovely items are made. Shapiro is well renowned for his dedication to environmental and social problems, and his studio reflects this philosophy by employing sustainable resources and methods whenever practical. When in Cape Town, anyone interested in modern ceramics should pay Anthony Shapiro's studio a visit.

Established in 1996, At the Edge of City Varsity Cape Town

The City Varsity building, or campus, is right next door. Founded in 1996 under the motto "power of creativity." Through their School of Media Studies and Creative Arts College, City Varsity has over the years fostered the top creatives of our generation. Alumni from a variety of disciplines have achieved success over the years, becoming regulars at national and international award ceremonies and the arts. Since there is a large sign in front, it is difficult to miss. This location is crucial because it lets you know that you are near a hotel and, more importantly, a bar.

Finally, while Roland Street is well-known for its busy restaurant scene and boutique shops, this side of the street is equally amazing. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the community garden to the Harold Crease Clinic, Alex La Guam restaurant, and street art. So, the next time you're in Cape Town, take a walk down Roland Street and discover this alternative side of the road.

Roeland Street is a must-see for anyone interested in discovering Cape Town's creative sector. A visit to Roeland Street promises to be a memorable experience, whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone who likes art and design.

Roeland Street

If you need directions to Roeland Street, click here for a map: Roeland St

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5PPheRN92hXKiQik8

Without further ado, please enjoy my tour and photographs taken during my visit to Roeland Street.