Temples & religious sites
Auwal Mosque
Overview
Established in 1794, Auwal Mosque is the first mosque built in South Africa. Located in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap district, this historic religious site represents a key landmark in the country's Islamic history and Cape Malay heritage. Visitors go to view the historic architecture and understand the religious roots of the local community.
Getting There
The site is located in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. From Cape Town's city centre, walking takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi or rideshare trip from central areas takes around 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic.
Time to Allow
Plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes on-site, which gives sufficient time to view the exterior and look inside if it is accessible to visitors.
When to Go
Daylight hours are best for exploring the surrounding streets on foot. Because this is an active place of worship, avoid visiting during daily prayer times—particularly Friday midday services—unless you plan to worship. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended. The building rarely gets crowded.
What to Combine It With
You can easily explore other nearby locations on the same walking trip:
- Nurul Islam Mosque (0.1km)
- Bo-Kaap (0.3km)
- Palm Tree Mosque (0.3km)
- Schotsche Kloof (0.4km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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