Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, is steeped in a fascinating and rebellious past. In 1795, Swellendam declared itself a free Republic and became one of the capitals of the world for a brief moment in time, until the British occupation of the Cape a few weeks later brought the short-lived Republic to an end.

Swellendam was settled by artisans, traders and wagon-makers and by the mid-19th Century, Swellendam was a thriving metropolis largely created by the mercantile firm of Barry and Nephews. They even issued their own bank notes. Some of the gracious homes built by the successful wainwrights as well as the Barry's business complex have been preserved, such as Auld House.

In 1875 a fire revaged the certre of the town, and the only building to survive was the Oefeningshuis. The other remaining old buildings are all situated near the western entrance of the town and on the opposite side of the river surrounding the Drostdy Museum.

The Dutch Reformed Moederkerk built in 1911 is a magnificent eclectic blend of Gothic Renaissance, Baroque and vernacular Cape elements. Sadly, in 1974, Swellendam's shady oak-lined main road together with many buildings of historical significance were sacrificed when the main road was widened.

The Publicity Bureau has a leaflet, which lists the old buildings, "Swellendam's Treasures".