Alte Feste: Difference between revisions
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In 1935 the fort was used for a more peaceful purpose when it was converted into a hostel for the adjacent [[Windhoek High School]].<ref>[http://www.whs-edu.com Windhoek High School]</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2012}} Already severely dilapidated, it was declared a National Monument in 1957. The building was renovated extensively in 1963, and since then accommodates the [[National Museum of Namibia]].<ref>[http://www.travelbutlers.com/namibia/windhoek/ Windhoek, Namibia - TravelButlers.com]</ref> |
In 1935 the fort was used for a more peaceful purpose when it was converted into a hostel for the adjacent [[Windhoek High School]].<ref>[http://www.whs-edu.com Windhoek High School]</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2012}} Already severely dilapidated, it was declared a National Monument in 1957. The building was renovated extensively in 1963, and since then accommodates the [[National Museum of Namibia]].<ref>[http://www.travelbutlers.com/namibia/windhoek/ Windhoek, Namibia - TravelButlers.com]</ref> |
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In 2010, the [[Reiterdenkmal, Windhoek|Reiterdenkmal]], Windhoek's well-known equestrial monument, was placed in front of Alte Feste.<ref name="centenary">{{cite news |
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|url=http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2012/january/article/monuments-centenary-remembered/ |
|url=http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2012/january/article/monuments-centenary-remembered/ |
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|title=Monument’s centenary remembered |
|title=Monument’s centenary remembered |
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|first=Tanja |
|first=Tanja |
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|date=30 January 2012 |
|date=30 January 2012 |
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|newspaper=[[The Namibian]]}}</ref> |
|newspaper=[[The Namibian]]}}</ref> It was removed and placed in storage on Christmas Day in 2013. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 03:23, 20 October 2015
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The Alte Feste (Old Fortress) is a fortress and museum in downtown Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
The building was designed by captain Curt von François to serve as headquarters of the imperial German Schutztruppe (colonial military force) during German colonization of South-West Africa. The location of Windhoek, which was deserted and completely destroyed at that time, was chosen because the Germans felt it would serve as a buffer zone between the Nama and Herero tribes. The fort was, however, never involved in any military action.
The foundation was laid on 18 October 1890 by then Schutztruppe private Gustav Tünschel. The building was redesigned multiple times during the first years; its final layout was only completed in 1915.[1] It consists of an inner courtyard with high walls and accommodation for the troops on the inside, as well as four towers. Alte Feste is the oldest surviving building in the city which subsequently developed around it.
After the World War I German surrender in South-West Africa Windhoek was occupied by the South African Army[2] in March 1915. Alte Feste now served as military headquarters for the South African Union troops.
In 1935 the fort was used for a more peaceful purpose when it was converted into a hostel for the adjacent Windhoek High School.[3][failed verification] Already severely dilapidated, it was declared a National Monument in 1957. The building was renovated extensively in 1963, and since then accommodates the National Museum of Namibia.[4]
In 2010, the Reiterdenkmal, Windhoek's well-known equestrial monument, was placed in front of Alte Feste.[5] It was removed and placed in storage on Christmas Day in 2013.
References
- ^ "Die Alte Feste soll nicht sterben". Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). reprint on 11 Sept 2012. 11 September 1962.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|trans_title=ignored (|trans-title=suggested) (help) - ^ South African Union troops
- ^ Windhoek High School
- ^ Windhoek, Namibia - TravelButlers.com
- ^ Bause, Tanja (30 January 2012). "Monument's centenary remembered". The Namibian.