This cobbled square is Cape Town’s second-oldest public space after the Grand Parade. It hosts a lively and colourful crafts and souvenir market daily. Apart from the Old Town House, the square is also surrounded by some choice examples of art deco architecture, including Market House , an elaborately decorated building with balconies and stone-carved eagles and flowers on its facade.
Next to Market House, the dazzling-white Protea Insurance Building was built in 1928 and renovated in 1990. Opposite is Shell House , once the South African headquarters of Shell, now a hotel and restaurant.
On the corner of Shortmarket St is Namaqua House ; Baran’s cafe here has a wrap-around balcony providing a great view over the square. Kimberley House is built of sandstone and decorated with an attractive diamond-theme design.
