| The
source of the name Paternoster (Latin for "Our Father")
remains unknown. One
explanation is that the name is associated with the heartfelt prayers
prayed by shipwrecked Portuguese sailors.
Another explanation is that it takes its name from the fishing tackle
known as paternoster. (TV Bulpin, Discovering South Africa (second
revised edition 1980))
The
first maritime survey of this part of the coast was done in the 1790's
by Francis Renier Duminy, Captain of the Dutch East India Company
ship, De Meermin. |
|
| Although
life in Paternoster is still very much associated with the sea and fishing
industry (Paternoster Fisheries), it is to this historic fishing village that
the traveler comes to relax. Quaint,
whitewashed cottages nestle gently on the sloping hill called Kliprug. |
|
CAPE COLUMBINE NATURE RESERVE (TIETIESBAAI) |
|
| The
reserve covers an area of 263 ha along the rocky stretch of coastline with
numerous inlets and coves. This
area was declared a nature reserve in December 1973.
The vegetation of typical West Coast veld ranges from the well-known West
Coast fynbos to Karoo succulent. In
spring (August to October) the area is covered in a bright tapestry of wild
flowers. This reserve boasts the
last manually controlled lighthouse to be built in South Africa.
It is usually the first South African lighthouse to be seen by ships
coming from Europe. The lighthouse was built in 1936 on Castle Rock.
The light stands at a height of 80m above sea level and casts a beam,
which is visible for about 50km. |
|
| The significant white boulders, where great humped rocks crouch around little rocky bays, make this unspoiled gem one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. The vast beach, washed by a fresh Atlantic Ocean can satisfy the enthusiastic kayaker in a safe paddling environment. | |
| Apart from dolphins and whales, the coastline, together with an abundance of mussels, is very famous for the West Coast Rock Lobster (Jasus Lalandii), Abalone and other seafood. The peaceful surroundings that typify this place of "Red Gold" also offer pristine hiking trails and unforgettable sunsets that slowly vanish in brilliant colours. | |
MUNICIPAL RESORTS : |
|
Contact the Paternoster Tourism Bureau at
Tel. : +27 22 715 1142
Fax : +27 22 715 1142
E-mail : [email protected]
