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The bricks and mortar of religious life
Religious buildings
Beautiful buildings of worship.
© City of Johannesburg
Did you know?
St. George's kept its doors open to all races during the apartheid years.
There are enough South African religious buildings to boggle even the most organised of architectural tourists, but St Georges Cathedral in Cape Town is a good place to start.
Pre-eminent architect Sir Herbert Baker designed the cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in 1904. Over the next hundred years, various sections of the building were completed. Although the Cathedral is in use, it remains unfinished to this day. There are daily tours, and a labyrinth to lose yourself in, both literally and figuratively.
The Juma Masjid Mosque in Grey Street in Durban, the oldest and largest mosque in the southern hemisphere, is another prime example of religious buildings in South Africa.
The mosque is a fusion of strong union-period vernacular style and Islamic decorations. There is a bridge on the roof of the mosque that extends to the nearby girls' school, and the girls use the roof as a playground on weekdays. The Mosque is in the commercial centre of Durban so pick up a traditional bunny chow to munch on while you gander at the architecture.
If you find yourself in the Eastern Cape, the Grahamstown Cathedral has the tallest spire in South Africa and hosts regular organ recitals.
Genadedal in the Western Cape is home to the oldest mission station in the country. It is a Moravian settlement and is very well preserved.
In Pretoria you can find the Mariammen Hindu Temple, a national monument highly regarded for its architecture, and the Paul Kruger Church, which features typical neo-Dutch renaissance finishes.
If you've had your fill of South African spiritual architecture why not attend a Zionist church meeting? These congregations regularly gather in an open field, and if you look up you can truly see God.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
St. George's Cathedral
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 424 7360
Juma Masjid Mosque
Telephone: +27 (0) 31 306 4858
Grahamstown Cathedral
Telephone: +27 (0) 46 636 1995
How to get here
There are numerous religious buildings all over the country. Most are open to the public so little forward planning is needed.
What will it cost
At most religious buildings, entrance is free. Donations, however, are always welcome.
What to pack
When visiting religious buildings, it is important to respect the rules of the house. You may be required to remove your shoes or cover your head, so be sure to make your enquiries and go prepared.
What's happening
Call first to find out if there are any special services on the day you plan to visit.