The Green Point Lighthouse: A Beacon Through Time

As the sun dips below the Atlantic, painting the Cape Town sky in hues of orange and gold, the Green Point Lighthouse stands resolute, its beam slicing through the growing twilight. This iconic structure, with its distinctive red and white stripes, isn’t just a landmark; it’s a storybook etched in stone, guiding mariners for two centuries.

First lit on April 12, 1824, the Green Point Lighthouse is South Africa’s oldest operational lighthouse. Designed by German architect Herman Shutte, it was a marvel of its time, initially powered by Argand lamps burning sperm whale oil. Though its original light reached just six nautical miles, technological upgrades over the decades extended its range to an impressive 22 nautical miles by the 1920s.

Locals affectionately call it "Moaning Minnie" for the foghorn that once echoed across Mouille Point—a sound both a comfort to sailors and a nuisance to residents. The lighthouse’s present role is more serene: its rhythmic flashes every 10 seconds are a reminder of its enduring purpose and a nod to maritime history.

For visitors, the Green Point Lighthouse isn’t just a historical monument but a symbol of resilience, adapting to modernity while preserving its heritage. Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s bustling promenade, it’s a perfect blend of past and present, quietly illuminating the city’s shoreline as it has for 200 years.

Fun Fact: The Green Point Lighthouse now serves as the head office for South Africa’s Lighthouse Services, overseeing 45 other lighthouses along the coastline.

Living Cities Collection

Welcome to who we are, what we do, and those who live around and with us.

As social creatures, humans have always lived in tribes, building communities based on shared values and beliefs. Within these tribes, humans have created homes and cities, both as a place of shelter and as a reflection of their identity. Humans also have an innate desire to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings, and our curiosity extends beyond physical exploration as we seek out new experiences and live life in our own domestic spaces. Whether at home or on the move, we are constantly driven to survive, create, or discover the meaning of living.