About Noon Gun
Head up Signal Hill to see the the oldest guns in daily use in the world! Cape Town’s oldest living tradition is the Noon Gun, fired every day at 12 pm sharp, except Sundays and public holidays. The 18-pounder, smoothbore muzzle-loaders are still in use today!
These are the oldest cannons in daily use in the world.
There are actually two on top of the Signal Hill overlooking Table Bay, one is a back-up should the other misfire.
The Noon Gun originated so that ships which had been at sea and lost track of the correct time could re-set their clocks. Even quite far out at sea they could hear the sound, and if not, they would still see the puff of smoke and could work it out from there.
Today the sound of this daily Cape Town tradition echoes through the City Bowl, and Capetonians check their watches with a smile. You can watch the daily ritual up on Signal Hill at Lion Battery, from 11:30. To get there head up Military Street in the Bo-Kaap to the Noon Gun. Look for for the sign-post on Buitengracht Street.
Reviews for Noon Gun
1 review Reviews of1 out of 5 stars
Accommodation near Noon Gun
House Sonsaksopie
Avg per night
The Studios 315 by CTHA
Avg per night for 2 guests
Upperbloem Guesthouse and Apa...
Avg per night for 1 guest
Cool Urban Sanctuary near Tab...
Avg per night
Apple House
Avg per night for 2 guests
St Monicas
Avg per night for 1 guest
Noon Gun Map
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling