Philippolis is a small town in the Free State Province of South Africa. If you’re in search of a dorp signifying the geographical centre of South Africa, you won’t get much closer than Philippolis. Situated halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg, this windswept little village exemplifies those clichés ‘quaint and stunning’, with a rich history to boot.
Philippolis is the birthplace of Sir Laurens Jan van der Post, renowned author, political advisor to British heads of government and Prince William’s godparent. Unbeknownst to most travellers, Philippolis was established way back in 1823, making it the oldest town in the Free State.
Dr John Philip of the London Missionary Society gave his name - first to a mission station and by default to the small settlement that sprung up around it. Griqua leader Adam Kok was an early benefactor and protector of the town before founding Kokstad.
Many historical buildings from these early years still line Upper Voortrekker Street, including the Victorian Jacobson library and the Dutch Reformed Church, which was built in 1871. The church was used as a fort by the British during the Anglo-Boer War. Although the building has been modernised, the original Belgian organ is still in use.
The memorial garden in Philippolis dedicated to van der Post was built with the following idea in mind: life is a journey. Various aspects o...