AÏDA ROBERTSON and MONTAGU

Montagu \| Breede River Valley
The wine-producing town of Montagu lies nestled between the Keisie and Kinga Rivers on the scenic Route 62, also known as the longest wine route in the world and South Africa’s version of America’s Route 66. The area is famous for its orchards, vineyards, local herbs, rock formations, not to mention the mineral springs.
Montagu was founded in 1851 on the farm Uitvlucht, which belonged to Pieter Swanepoel since 1841. The village was named after John Montagu, then Colonial Secretary of the Cape, who travelled here to "baptise" the town at a ceremony held on the plot of land situated on the corner of Church and Long Street.
This historical town in the Klein Karoo is a classic example of a late Victorian agricultural village and hosts a number of preserved Cape Dutch and Georgian National Monuments. Most of the Cape Dutch thatched roof properties in Montagu date back to the years 1853 – 1870. It is generally accepted that Joubert House situated in Long Street and built in 1853, is the oldest house in Montagu. In 1983 it was restored to its former glory as a section of the Montagu Museum, and it depicts the lifestyle of the late 19th century.
Another reason for visiting Montagu is the radioactive hot springs. It is practically impossible to ascertain the exact date of the discovery of these hot mineral springs, but the manner of their discovery tells an interesting story: In the very early days trekkers often followed the course of rivers, and according to our archives, the wagon on one such nameless pioneer became stuck in the rocks of the river bed. In his efforts to free the wheels, the trekker's hand was so badly injured that his party was obliged to pitch camp in the vicinity of the present-day Montagu.
They drank the clear, strange-flavoured water, found it wonderfully refreshing and traced its course through the Kloof where they discovered the hot springs. The injured trekker bathed frequently in the warm waters and found that his injury healed miraculously. News of the healing water was spread by word of mouth and soon the sick and ailing visited the hot springs from far and wide. Today tourist still flock to Montagu to experience the clear, sweet-smelling water of the hot springs.

Montagu

Montagu | Breede River Valley