Rhodes Memorial

The magnificent floodlit memorial to Cecil John Rhodes, stands on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, on the Northern flank of Table Mountain. It was built in 1912 on the very place where Rhodes used to sit and contemplate his future. It was a short ride on horseback from his town home – Groote Schuur – (from which the famous hospital takes it’s name) - which is now separated by the M3 Rhodes Drive motorway.

The Rhodes Memorial was Financed by public subscription raised from the estimated 30 000 citizens of Cape Town in deference for all that Rhodes had accomplished, and the very considerable contribution he had made to the development and increasing prosperity of Southern Africa, (seldom realized these days), during his dynamic 32 years in this Country. Built with granite dressed from the rock bases upon which the Quartzite strata of the mountain rest, the monument was designed by Sir Francis Macey and Sir Herbert Baker who, deprived of Rhodes’ “compulsion to direct”, were able to give full reign to their imagination and skills.

Incorporating Doric columns, the classical architecture so revered by CJR, the eight lions, were cast “in situ” by J.W Swan, modelled upon those protecting Nelson column in Trafalgar Square, London, and are a Tribute to Rhodes’ wish to have real lions roaming his ‘African Wildlife Garden’ for all the citizens to enjoy. Swan also sculpted the bust of Rhodes, ( whom he, by the way, had never met), from photographs, but sadly nearly finished, his untimely death prevented it’s completion by his own hand.

The dynamic ‘Statue of Energy’, rearing at the foot of the 49 steps, (one for each year of his life), was a tribute to the restless drive and determination of Rhodes, and was presented by G.F. Watts OM. RA> Originally destined for dedication at Victoria Falls, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

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The restaurant is situated in the beautiful Table Mountain National Park directly behind the famous Rhodes Memorial. In an elevated position, the restaurant has stunning views over the northern and eastern Cape Town suburbs and the Hottentots Holland mountain range.

There is ample free secure parking and many mountain walks start or finish at the restaurant.

Reservations are essential, particularly on the weekends.

Open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week

Functions

Rhodes Memorial

Cecil John Rhodes