Cape Point is a promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula, which is a mountainous and scenic landform that runs north-south for about thirty kilometres at the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent in the Republic of South Africa. Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town are close to the northern extremity of the same peninsula. The cape is located about 2.3 kilometres (1.4 mi) east and a little north of the Cape of Good Hope on the southwest corner. Although these two rocky and beautiful capes are very well-known, neither cape is actually the southernmost point in Africa; that is Cape Agulhas, approximately 150 kilometres (90 mi) to the east-southeast.
The peak above Cape Point is higher than that above the Cape of Good Hope. The rugged sandstone (Table Mountain sandstone) ridge that rises from Cape Point at sea level develops into two peaks. There is a major peak that dominates the skyline locally but there is also a smaller peak about 100 m further south. The higher peak has the old lighthouse on the top. The Flying Dutchman Funicular runs from a car park to the north up to slightly below the level of the old lighthouse and a short flight of steps leads to a viewing platform at the base of the lighthouse. From the end of the railway a second path leads to the lower peak. Maria sent me this card.
Cape Point lighthouse is the most powerful lighthouse in South Africa.
In 1860 the first lighthouse was completed, 238 meters (816 feet) above sea level. In 1913 the construction of a second lighthouse on Dias Point began, about 87 meters (286 feet) above sea level. It was first lit at sunset on 11 March 1919.
In 1860 the first lighthouse was completed, 238 meters (816 feet) above sea level. In 1913 the construction of a second lighthouse on Dias Point began, about 87 meters (286 feet) above sea level. It was first lit at sunset on 11 March 1919.
