Green Point & Mouille Point
Green Point which was initially used by the Dutch as a cattle grazing station. After the British annexed the Cape in 1806, they began to hold horse races on its common, and the area developed as one of Cape Town's most popular social centres.
Together with the art of making horses run fast the science and mystery of betting has found its way to the farthest extremity of Africa, and on Green Point, large sums are said to have been won or lost."
In 1830 Green Point had 40 residents, among them Robert Crozier, the Postmaster General.
In 1820 the construction of a lighthouse at Green Point, the first of its kind in Southern Africa, was put forward by Sir Rufane Donkin. The light can be seen for 25 km out to sea. The project was designed by Hermann Schutte, a German stone mason who had previously been employed by the VOC, and was now working for the new administration as Inspector of Government Buildings.
The lighthouse was commissioned in April 1824. Unfortunately, its structure did not stand up well to the hardships of Cape weather, and by 1840 Governor Sir George Napier was describing it as "an old ruinous building, falling fast into decay". The building was renovated in 1842, and in 1863 its height was increased by the addition of a new tower. In 1926 a Foghorn was installed to warn ships of heavy fog.
During the South African War of 1899-1902, Green Point common was used by the Military as an encampment for a large number of British troops as well as a camp for Boer POWs. Green Point was also famously known as Gallows Hill the site where the Traffic Department is housed today. This is where the executions took place and bodies were left on public display until it rotted away and then got buried nearby.
Today Green Point is the location of the 2010 World Cup Stadium that can accommodate 65 000 spectators.
The Main Rd is a hive of activity and is well known as the "Fan Walk", lined with restaurants, apartment blocks, hotels and supermarkets and some speciality shops.
On the coast, there are various activities to be enjoyed i.e. Mini Golf, Mini train rides, Picnicking on the common or just taking in a coffee or light lunch at the many restaurants that line the coastal road, etc.
The coastline is notorious for shipwrecks in spite of the presence of the lighthouse.