Lutheran Church (Strand Street) Cape Town
South Africa's oldest church building, a National Heritage Site with a stunning interior featuring a 1700s wooden dais and beautiful stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience a service
Lutheran Church (Strand Street) Cape Town
Best Time
Experience a service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Africa's oldest church building, a National Heritage Site with a stunning interior featuring a 1700s wooden dais and beautiful stained glass.
"A lovely historical building with a spectacular wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith."
🎯 Admire the Dais
Don't miss the incredible wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith.
🪑 Seating for Performances
Avoid upstairs seating for events; views and acoustics can be poor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Anton Anreith's Preacher's Dais
Interior
A spectacular, intricately carved wooden masterpiece from the late 1700s. A true historical and artistic gem.
Stunning Stained Glass Window
Above the Altar
A recent, beautifully integrated stained glass feature that enhances the altar's grandeur.
Historical Ambiance
Throughout the Church
Experience the tranquility and profound sense of history in South Africa's oldest church building.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Consider Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Admire the Dais
Don't miss the incredible wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith.
🪑 Seating for Performances
Avoid upstairs seating for events; views and acoustics can be poor.
⛪ Attend a Service
Visitors have enjoyed attending Sunday services for a welcoming experience.
🏛️ National Heritage Site
Appreciate its status as South Africa's oldest church building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Admire the Dais
Don't miss the incredible wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith.
🪑 Seating for Performances
Avoid upstairs seating for events; views and acoustics can be poor.
⛪ Attend a Service
Visitors have enjoyed attending Sunday services for a welcoming experience.
🏛️ National Heritage Site
Appreciate its status as South Africa's oldest church building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lutheran Church on Strand Street for its profound historical significance as South Africa's oldest church building and its stunning interior, particularly the Anton Anreith-carved preacher's dais and new stained glass window. The multicultural and welcoming congregation also receives positive mentions. However, some find upstairs seating uncomfortable and acoustics inconsistent for performances.
"This is the Oldest Church Building in South Africa. It's a multicultural church. It accommodates young and old. Very friendly and welcoming people."
Sybil Chetty
"A lovely historical building with a spectacular wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith in the late 1700s. If you are going to a performance, do not sit upstairs as you cannot see, acoustics are dicey and the seats really uncomfortable."
Chris Wren-Sargent
"This is one of the most beautiful churches in Cape Town with a stunning interior featuring the work of renowned artist Anton Anreith. Well worth a visit!
In 2018 it was declared a National Heritage site.
The most recent enhancement to the Church is the exceptionally well thought out and installed stained glass window above the alter using the existing wooden framework....a really beautiful feature."
Martin OCarroll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lutheran Church is located at 62 Strand Street, in the Matador Center, at the corner of Strand and Long Streets. It's easily accessible by car or public transport within the city center. 
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, being in the city center suggests nearby public parking garages or street parking might be available. Consider ride-sharing services for convenience.
Information on accessibility is limited, but as a historical building, it's advisable to contact the church directly for specific details regarding ramps or elevators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, visiting historical churches for sightseeing does not require a ticket. However, for special events or performances, admission fees may apply.
Specific opening hours for general visits are not consistently published. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly, especially if you plan to attend a service or event.
Yes, the church is multicultural and welcomes visitors to attend Sunday services. It's a great way to experience the community and the building's atmosphere.
For general visits, there is typically no entrance fee. Donations are often appreciated to help maintain the historic building.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It is the oldest church building in South Africa and was declared a National Heritage site in 2018, holding significant historical and architectural value.
The spectacular wooden preacher's dais carved by Anton Anreith in the late 1700s and the recently installed stained glass window above the altar are highlights.
The interior, with its historical architecture and artistic features like the dais and stained glass, offers excellent photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or events and to avoid intrusive photography.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Yes, the church is located in the Matador Center, and there are shops nearby, including DenimzSA which has a store at 62 Strand Street.
The area around Strand Street is a commercial hub, with various retail outlets. DenimzSA, for instance, offers denim clothing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to note that the church is primarily a place of worship and a historical monument. If attending a service, ensure children understand the need for quiet behavior. For performances, be mindful of the seating and acoustic advice mentioned previously, as it might not be ideal for very young children who need to move around.
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Its multicultural congregation reflects the diverse spirit of Cape Town, welcoming all who seek solace or a connection to the past. The church's ability to accommodate both young and old, and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, are frequently highlighted by those who visit.
For those interested in the architectural design, the church boasts a stunning interior. The most celebrated feature is the spectacular wooden preacher's dais, intricately carved by the renowned artist Anton Anreith in the late 1700s. More recently, a beautifully designed stained glass window has been added above the altar, seamlessly integrated into the existing wooden framework, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Experiencing Performances
Seating is a key factor. Reviews suggest that sitting upstairs for performances can be problematic, with obstructed views and less-than-ideal acoustics. For optimal enjoyment of any event, aim for seating on the main floor.
While the church's historical ambiance is a draw, the acoustics can be somewhat unpredictable, and the seats themselves are noted as being uncomfortable for extended periods. Planning ahead by checking seating arrangements and perhaps bringing a cushion might be advisable for those attending a longer performance.
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