Church Square, Cape Town

Walking through Church Square, one can find some points of historical interest. Overlooking the square is the statue of Onze Jan, the retired Honorable Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, an influential statesman of the 19th century whose work ensured official recognition of the Afrikaans language. The statue was made by Anton van Wouw. You will also find a circular plaque, which marks the spot where slaves were sold until their emancipation on December 1st 1834. The double-storeyed, green-shuttered building opposite the Groote Kerk was once the slave lodge, and is today the Cultural Museum.