Riebeeck Square developed during the 18th century, when the town began to expand laterally into the Table Valley, and marks the point where incoming farmers were allowed to outspan their wagons. This changed after the annexation of the Cape by the British in 1806, when a new market was established immediately east of the Castle in 1812 for the benefit of farmers. Because of its proximity to the Malay Quarter, the Square at this stage began to be used by Cape Town's coloured residents. By the 1860s its area had been reduced considerably at which time it became known as Riebeeck Square. It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 17 February 1961. Riebeeck Square (block bounded by Shortmarket, Bree, Church and Buitengracht Streets), Cape Town. NOW USED AS A PARKING LOT.
Place record
Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.
- Coordinates
- -33.9319, 18.4082
- Updated
- 20 Jul 2026

Riebeek Square Parking Lot Image source
Location Map
Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.
How we know this
- 01https://www.sahra.org.za/sahris/node/15287 https://www.googlemaps
Last updated · 20 Jul 2026
South African History Online. (2011, July 14). Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065750
South African History Online (2011) 'Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.', South African History Online, 14 July. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065750 (Accessed: 22 July 2026).
South African History Online, Riebeeck Square, Cape Town. [website], https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065750, (accessed 22 July 2026).
"Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.." South African History Online, 14 July 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065750. Accessed 22 July 2026.
South African History Online. "Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.." South African History Online. July 14, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065750.
Further reading
Cape Town the Segregated city
The Freedom struggle in Cape Town
Cape Town Timeline 1300-1997
Slave Resistance
Cape Youth Congress (CAYCO)
United Women’s Organisation (UWO)
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