1 minute read
Discover the rural charm and tranquility of Napier
Writer & Photographer Taylum Meyer
Situated at the foot of the Soetmuisberg in the heart of the Overberg between Caledon and Bredasdorp, the small historical town of Napier is surrounded by seemingly never-ending grain fields, dotted with sheep and cattle. Our national bird, the Blue Crane, can often be seen in large flocks.
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When entering this typical Overberg farming village on the R316, one is immediately struck by the beauty of its peaceful rural setting, its litter-free streets, attractive Dutch Reformed Church, quaint cottages and well-kept gardens.
The story of how the town of Napier was established is quite an amusing one. Apparently, in 1838, neighbours Michiel van Breda and Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl could not agree where the community church should be. Michiel wanted the church sited on his farm, Langfontein, while Pieter wanted it built on his property, Klipdrift. Neither man would give way, so churches were built in both places, with the town of Bredasdorp growing around Breda’s church and the town of Napier around Van der Byl’s church. Napier was named after Sir George Napier, the then Governor of the Cape.
The sleepy town of Napier is now home to several tourist attractions including an old watermill, a monument to commemorate the Ossewa Trek of 1838, a military museum, and a sundial which is generally accepted to be the largest sundial as well as the only vertical one in the country. Napier also has an annual Wine and Patat Festival, which was unfortunately cancelled this year due to Covid-19.
A variety of restaurants, guesthouses, antique shops, farm stalls, galleries and a toy museum line the town’s main road, inviting visitors to explore what the town has to offer whilst enjoying the peaceful ambience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Napier offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from B&Bs, guest houses and lodges to self-catering cottages in and around the town. On the rainy weekend that my partner and I visited Napier, we stayed at the picturesque Stellar Overberg Traveller’s Lodge, located on a farm with a small vineyard on the Klipdrift River.
Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 14)
