Signal Hill and the Noon Gun Signal Hill pathway to the Noon Gun. Photo courtesy Danie van der Merwe Signal Hill is a prominent landmark from which the historic noon gun is fired, and forms the “lion’s body” for the adjacent Lion’s Head mountain top. Signal Hill rewards hikers with spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean. Many family-friendly picnic spots here are favoured by tourists and locals all year round. Signal Hill is named for its original use: the practice of flying signal flags to communicate with nearby ships, and later for the daily firing the famous noon-day gun. The gun provides quite a startling introduction to Cape Town for first-time visitors as the distinctive boom sends birds fluttering into the sky and has surprised tourists wondering at the reverberating sound. In fact there are two guns (cannon, actually) on Signal Hill – a main gun and a back-up. The guns were brought to Cape Town by the British in 1795, and it is thought that they were used in combat during the Battle of Muizenberg in August, 1795. They were originally housed in the Castle of Good Hope before being transported to Signal Hill by ox-wagon in 1902, where they served as time signals for ships anchored in the harbour. The cannon weigh roughly three tons each and fire 1.5kg (3lb) of gunpowder daily at noon, except on Sundays and public holidays. Members of the public are welcome to watch (from a demarcated safe distance) as this daily ritual plays out. Since 1902, the noon gun has been fired more than 62 000 times. Observe the daily firing of the gun, or simply enjoy a cold drink or picnic (bring your own fare) from the parking lot at the end of the road, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, head down to the Bo-Kaap for a meal at the Noon Gun Tea Room, +27 (0)21 424 0529, in Longmarket Street. Flickr Images An automatic feed of all Creative Commons-licensed images on Flickr using the text “signal hill cape town” . See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> See related Flickr entry “> See related Flickr entry ”> Please note this feed is not moderated and the opinions reflected in it are not necessarily those of Cape Town Tourism, although we do welcome diverse views and perspectives! Report inappropriate photos. Browse Categories Browse A-Z of all attractions Culture And Heritage Nature And Environment Health And Wellness Outdoor And Adventure Entertainment Shopping Wine And Dine Contact Details Cape Town Tourism Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800 Distance from Cape Town CBD: 3 km Est. Time from Cape Town CBD: 5 min Suggested Time at Destination: 2 hours Entrance: Free Open: 24 hours, but be especially careful at night Closest Visitor Information Centre City Centre Visitor Information Centre Tel: +27 21 487 6800 Email: capetown@capetown.travel Physical Address: Pinnacle Building, Cnr Burg & Castle Streets Enquiry Do you need more information, or would like to make a booking? Call (+27 21 487 6800), email, or Skype us. Or contact us using the form below: Name* Email* Contact No. (please add international code) Please specify your requirements in as much detail as possible. Please answer the following question: What is 5 plus 2?

Signal Hill is a prominent landmark from which the historic noon gun is fired, and forms the “lion’s body” for the adjacent Lion’s Head mountain top.

Signal Hill rewards hikers with spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean. Many family-friendly picnic spots here are favoured by tourists and locals all year round.

Signal Hill is named for its original use: the practice of flying signal flags to communicate with nearby ships, and later for the daily firing the famous noon-day gun.

The gun provides quite a startling introduction to Cape Town for first-time visitors as the distinctive boom sends birds fluttering into the sky and has surprised tourists wondering at the reverberating sound.

In fact there are two guns (cannon, actually) on Signal Hill – a main gun and a back-up. The guns were brought to Cape Town by the British in 1795, and it is thought that they were used in combat during the Battle of Muizenberg in August, 1795. They were originally housed in the Castle of Good Hope before being transported to Signal Hill by ox-wagon in 1902, where they served as time signals for ships anchored in the harbour.

The cannon weigh roughly three tons each and fire 1.5kg (3lb) of gunpowder daily at noon, except on Sundays and public holidays. Members of the public are welcome to watch (from a demarcated safe distance) as this daily ritual plays out. Since 1902, the noon gun has been fired more than 62 000 times. Read more at www.capetown.travel