Paternoster, meaning Our Father, is thought to have been given its name by a group of shipwrecked sailors in thanks for the sparing of their lives. Although Paternoster is still closely associated with fishing and the sea it has now also become a sought after destination for overseas travellers to South Africa.

An original fisherman’s cottage which has been done up and apparently still belongs to one of the local fishermen.

One of the fishing boats ready to take to the sea.

Time waits for no man, and Paternoster is no different. The first time I went to Paternoster was nearly 40 years ago and all that existed at that time was the hotel, the fishermen’s cottages and 2 houses. I was fortunate enough to have a friend who had access to one of those houses and a group of us spent a few long weekends fishing, braaing and consuming many crayfish.

The main beach near the hotel.

Open air restaurant at front of hotel.

I had been back again about 20 years later and a row of about 10 or 12 houses had been built along the beach front. Today there must be well over a hundred houses , with new developments everywhere. I found it all quite sad as the Paternoster I knew had basically vanished, still beautiful but completely different.

A bit of history and info on Paternoster hotel.

There are quite a number of guest houses one them being the Paternoster Lodge which also has a restaurant and pub.

One thing that has not changed much is the small Paternoster Hotel. The original building was built in 1863 and in 1940 was bought by the Tollman family and turned into a hotel. Growing from 6 to 10 rooms, the hotel now also boasts a gorgeous balcony and sea view. There is also now a fabulous restaurant area in the front and recently The  Shell Shop was added to the hotel. The Paternoster Hotel is also infamously known for The Panty Bar, which at one stage served as the local jail before the conversion to a hotel.

Development on the north side of Paternoster.

Paternoster Clothing and Patchworks.

Paternoster is a quiet, yet developing town. Close enough to Cape Town for a daytrip, and far enough away to feel a reprieve from the bustle of city life, Paternoster is a true gem of a town to visit.

Images and Text courtesy of Pat Bromilow-Downing, of Gone Fishing