Prince Albert lies in a picturesque fertile Valley on the edge of the great Karoo on the one side and the Swartberg Mountains on the other side. The legendary: 'Showroom Theatre'- with its Art Deco Architecture, attracts many well-known artists to the small Town and visitors can choose from many good-quality Restaurants, Guest Houses and Art Galleries. The spectacular Swartberg Pass, is one of the most dramatic and scenic Mountain Passes in South Africa! (This Pass starts just outside Town.)
HISTORY
Founded in 1762, Prince Albert's History is deeply rooted in South African Heritage. The Town was originally known as: 'Albertsburg', before being renamed by Prince Albert, in honor of Queen Victoria's husband and father to Edward the V11. The Historical significance is evident in its well-preserved architecture, which spans Georgian, Victorian, and Cape Dutch styles. The Prince Albert District has a rich Heritage of Later Stone Age sites, stone tools and rock paintings. Many of which date back 25 000 Years. A well-documented Archaeological Area, at Boomplaas Cave on the Swartberg Pass, provides evidence of Middle Stone Age people.
“And for the first time,” says Local paleontologist Dr Judy Maguire, “there are eye-witness accounts of what some of the stone tools were used for, both practically and symbolically.”
European Immigrants, Colonized the Area after 1652, all starting with a Farm, dating back to 1762, named Kweekvallei, which means- :“valley of cultivation and plenty”. The Farm was leased for a Year by: 'Zacharias de Beer'. In 1842, the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church approved the purchase of a part of the Farm for building a Church. And in 1845, the tiny village was proclaimed Prince Albert.
Today Prince Albert is the centre of its own Municipality and has a Population of approximately 13 000 people(2022).This total is expected to increase to 14 911, by 2024. It celebrated its 250th Anniversary in 2012 and in that same Year was voted the Western Cape winner in the prestigious: 'kykNET Kwêla & Rapport- ‘Town of the Year’, competition.
ART AND CULTURE
The Town reflects a rich blend of cultures, including influences from the early Khoisan People, Dutch Settlers, and British Colonialists. This diverse History is showcased in local Museums and Cultural Tours (FURTHER READING FOR MORE INFO.). The serene environment inspires a thriving community of artists and craftsmen. Galleries and studios are dotted, around the Town to showcase: 'Local Artists; Textiles; and Crafts'.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
The Town is famous for its culinary offerings, especially its Locally produced: 'Olives; Olive oil and Cheese'. Visitors can enjoy a range of dining experiences, from traditional Karoo cuisine to contemporary gourmet dishes. Local farms and Wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to indulge in the Region's best flavors and learn about sustainable agricultural practices.
NATURAL WONDERS
Prince Albert is the perfect starting point for exploring the World renowned: 'Swartberg Pass', which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pass offers breathtaking views and is a testament to the 19th-Century Engineering, that carved this road through rugged terrain. The region is rich in biodiversity, home to unique fynbos vegetation and a variety of wildlife. Nature reserves around the Town offer opportunities for: 'Hiking, bird watching, and encountering many different endemic species.
VEGETATION AND PLANTS
The vegetation in the area from the top of the Swartberg to the plains around Prince Albert is highly diverse because there is a huge range in altitude, rainfall, soil and geology over a relatively short distance. The six main vegetation types are closely linked with altitude, geology, vegetation and water availability. They are: 'Fynbos; Fynbos Rivers; Renosterveld; Spekboom Thicket; Succulent Karoo and Karoo River Woodland
"There is no direct connection from Cape Town to Prince Albert. However, you can take the taxi to Cape Town (CPT) Airport, fly to George (GRJ), then take the taxi to Prince Albert. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Prince Albert then take the taxi to Prince Albert."