Artistic people and historians love to explore cities and towns with quaint shops, architectural buildings, fascinating histories, alleyways, beautiful views and places of interest. With a camera in one hand and a sketchbook or notebook in the other. I am one of those people.
Today I would like share a little about Simons Town
Simon's Town (Afrikaans word: Simonstad) is near Cape Town, South Africa, which is home to the South African Navy.
It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula.
Simon's Town was originally named Isselsteijn Bay in 1671.
Painting in progress of Simon's Town with palette knife in oils
For more than two centuries Simon's Town has been an important naval base and harbour (first for the Royal Navy and now the South African Navy).
The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early Governor of the Cape Colony.
Painting completed of St George's street (the main road) in Simons Town painted with palette knife in oil paint by Ann Inggs Art - Ann has a Facebook page under this name.
There is a historic "Mile Walk" along St George's street and covers the buildings from the Railway Station to the East Dockyard Gates which is a distance of about one mile.
In Jubilee Square, overlooking False Bay in the naval base of Simon's Town, you will also find the 'Just Nuisance' statue of a famous Great Dane.
Just Nuisance was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was a Great Dane of note, who between 1939 and 1944 served at HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy shore establishment in Simon's Town, South Africa.
'Just Nuisance' keeping watch! (I compiled an artistic impression with one of my photographs and the ocean behind him)
Interesting places to visit in and around Simon's Town for the avid traveller:
- Admiralty House
- Simon's Town Museum
- False Bay Yacht Club
- Warrior Toy Museum
- Roman Rock Lighthouse (The third oldest lighthouse in South Africa)
- Martello Tower and the Naval Museum
- Boulders Beach (Home to one of the largest colonies of African penguins)
- Jubilee Square (Where you will find the Able Seaman - 'Just Nuisance')
- Miller's Point (For whale watching in the springtime)
- Smitswinkelbaai (Ideal for swimming and fishing)
Thank you for visiting. Have a Great Day!
Picture of Just Nuisance by DianesArt
Paintings of St Georges Street, Simons Town - Origional Artwork by AnninggsArt - (My mothers painting, used by permission.)