Greenmarket Square and Old Town House

Greenmarket Square is a cobbled public square in the centre of Cape Town, South Africa, bounded by Shortmarket, Burg and Longmarket Streets. The square dates from 1696, when it was laid out as a place to sell produce and slaves, and it became the city's principal market in the 18th century. In the colonial period it also saw public proclamations, auctions and gatherings, and in the 20th century it hosted political rallies, including protests against apartheid. The north-western end is dominated by the Old Town House, completed in 1761 as the Burgher Watch House and later the town hall until 1905. The building is a fine example of Cape Rococo architecture, with a curved gable, a clock and a belfry, and it now houses the Iziko Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 17th century. Around the square stand historic buildings, including Art Deco and Victorian-era blocks, such as the Old Mutual building and the former Cape Town Cathedral-adjacent structures, which give a layered look at the city's architectural history. The museum approach is chronological and based on the art collection, while the square itself gives an open-air view of the commercial history. Preservation is shared between Iziko Museums for the Old Town House and the City of Cape Town for the square, and conservation work has repaired the cobbles and facades. Today the square hosts an open-air market selling African crafts, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs. Visitors can combine it with St George's Cathedral and the Slave Lodge, both a short walk away. The market is busy, so valuables should be kept secure and prices are often negotiable.