Heritage information and resources
Our well-maintained heritage database and preserved heritage records are available to the public in a number of ways.Cape Town's heritage database
In keeping with the general principles for how to manage heritage resources as outlined in the National Heritage Resources Act, the City of Cape Town holds that all cultural values, sites and landscapes of historical importance and value, areas of scenic beauty and places of spiritual importance must always be taken into account before any changes are made to our city.
The City maintains a database of heritage resources within our Metropolitan area. Our database includes (but is not limited to) structures, streetscapes, settlements, symbolic sites, natural and cultural landscapes, and significant plantings.
Did you know?
A well-run city: The National Heritage Resources Act actually requires that local authorities, like the City of Cape Town, maintain a database of the heritage resources within the boundaries of its area of jurisdiction. Our database was started in the 1980s, well before the proclamation of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999
Environment and Heritage Resources Information Centre (EHRIC)
The Environment and Heritage Resources Information Centre (EHRIC) has been set up by the City to allow researchers access to historic records and to facilitate good heritage management. EHRIC consists of historic documents, reports and publications, historic maps, photographs, plans and photographic negatives. Some of these documents are fragile and are only available in digital format.
We have the following collections available to the public:
Historical map collection
- Comprehensive catalogue is on-going
- Digital scans are freely available on request
- Access to originals is restricted
- Maps that are too fragile for handling are not available for viewing
Historic printed media
- Box files with City reports and publications
- Select annual reports available, including mayoral minutes
- Old property records (Yellow Pages)
Please note
EHRIC is open to the public by appointment only. Contact us on heritage@capetown.gov.za.
Heritage Advice Guideline Series
We are creating a Heritage Advice Guideline Series to help you understand heritage resources management, including: the protection and management mechanisms for heritage resources; and the processes for making heritage-related development applications.
Booklet 01 - Heritage Resources Management
Booklet 02 - How to Design in a Heritage Context
Heritage pamphlets
Whether you are exploring the city as a visitor or looking to understand how we protect our heritage resources, our heritage pamphlets are an excellent source of heritage information for Cape Town.
Heritage pamphlets
HAP 1 Heritage Resources
HAP 2 Heritage Areas
HAP 3 Cultural Landscapes and Historic Vegetation
HAP 4 Design Guidelines in a Heritage Context
HAP 5 Boundary Enclosures in Heritage Areas and to Historic Buildings
HAP 6 Garages and Carports in Heritage Areas and for Historic Buildings
HAP 7 Roofscapes in Heritage Areas and of Historic Buildings
HAP 8 Security in Heritage Areas and for Historic Buildings
HAP 9 Langa Heritage and Sites - PART 1
HAP 9 Langa Heritage and Sites - PART 2
HAP 10 Company's Garden Self-guided Walk
HAP 11 Alterations and Additions in Historic Residential Areas
HAP 12 Guidelines for Work in St. James and Kalk Bay Heritage Area
HAP 13 Guidelines for Work in Bo-Kaap Heritage Areas
HAP 14 Guidelines for Work in Bungalows Heritage Areas
HAP 15 Guidelines for Work in Mamre Heritage Area (Also see website: Mamre Revitalisation Project)
HAP 16 Philippi Heritage Information Brochure
HAP 17 Slave Heritage Walks
You may also be interested in Walking heritage tours of the City.
Interactive map
You can check a property or area’s local heritage status online. Visit our City Map Viewer to find properties, identify streets and find out its status (e.g. whether it's a Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) or a listed heritage site).
Heritage Protection OverlaysMany areas in Cape Town are protected under Heritage Protection Overlay zoning (HPO) because of their special historic and cultural significance, and our laws protect the character and quality of these environments. An area can be included in the HPO because of the high quality, or concentration or extent of groupings of cultural heritage resources within it, or because of an extensive landscape resource, place or cluster of buildings.
Please see Your heritage site or building for further guidance.
Get heritage advice
Contact a Heritage Management District Office near you for more information and general advice.
You may also want to visit our Environmental Management Department page.
Document downloads
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