Prince Albert was founded in 1762 on the fertile loan farm 'De Queek Vallei' with Zacharias De Beer as its first incumbent. Originally known as Albertsburg, it was renamed Prince Albert in honour of Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg, on obtaining municipal status in 1845
The village has many well-preserved Cape Dutch, vernacular Karoo and Victorian buildings, thirteen of which are National Monuments. New Karoo architecture based on agrarian volumes by contemporary South African architects is also to be found - indeed Prince Albert is the only Karoo town featuring this stimulating mix. A refurbished Art Deco, 140 seat theatre for musical, cinematic and other performances complements this rich architectural heritage
There are several olive farms with oil presses, wine and export fruit farms in the area, as well as a specialised export mohair trade. Birding, hiking, cycling and stargazing are popular pursuits for visitors. The area is well known for its hardy, endemic veld plants and is frequently a destination for international botanists. Winter rains and snowfall on the mighty Swartberg ensure a permanent flow of sparkling mountain water in furrows throughout the historic town
Prince Albert is also home to several professional artists, who open their studios at #princealbertopenstudios twice yearly. This event contributes enormously to the cultural profile of this 250 year old town based at the foot of the Swartberg range, in the Great Karoo
The village has many well-preserved Cape Dutch, vernacular Karoo and Victorian buildings, thirteen of which are National Monuments. New Karoo architecture based on agrarian volumes by contemporary South African architects is also to be found - indeed Prince Albert is the only Karoo town featuring this stimulating mix. A refurbished Art Deco, 140 seat theatre for musical, cinematic and other performances complements this rich architectural heritage
There are several olive farms with oil presses, wine and export fruit farms in the area, as well as a specialised export mohair trade. Birding, hiking, cycling and stargazing are popular pursuits for visitors. The area is well known for its hardy, endemic veld plants and is frequently a destination for international botanists. Winter rains and snowfall on the mighty Swartberg ensure a permanent flow of sparkling mountain water in furrows throughout the historic town
Prince Albert is also home to several professional artists, who open their studios at #princealbertopenstudios twice yearly. This event contributes enormously to the cultural profile of this 250 year old town based at the foot of the Swartberg range, in the Great Karoo
