About Greenmarket Square Greenmarket Square, nestled in the heart of the Central Business District of Cape Town, has seen a vast mix of cultures pass over its ancient cobbles. History: This area has served as a slave market, a fruit and vegetable market (hence the name Greenmarket Square) and in the late 50's as a popular parking lot. It wasn't until the early 80's that Bob Hayward had the vision to transform the Square into a viable trading venue for the informal sector. These humble beginnings saw only a handful of traders brave the elements twice a week on a small section of the Square, but it was not long before it grew to become an extremely popular flea market for crafters to reap the rewards for all their efforts. Within a few years it became necessary to expand the market to its present state as more and more people realised that Greenmarket Square offered a perfect opportunity to earn a living amidst the friendly, vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, but also by buskers, drummers, jugglers and mime artists. Due to the success of the flea market, other forms of business began to prosper, and today there is still an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and hotels bordering on the Square, convenient for customers who need to relax after the rigors of shopping. Products: Typical arts and crafts found at the market are: hand painted fabrics, wood carvings, glassware, clothing, jewellery, footwear, music CD's, sunglasses, paintings and curios from all over Africa, e.g. Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mali and Kenya. Attractions: For tourists who would like to fit as much into their busy schedule as possible, the Square is just a gentle meander from Company gardens, Houses of Parliament, S.A. Museum and Pan Africa market. Close by, one will also find the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa which today houses the regional headquarters of the S.A. Army in the Western Cape and the historical artwork collection of William Fehr. Then, of course, there is the Old Town House situated on the border of Greenmarket Square, one of the prime examples of early Cape Dutch Architecture. It has served as the seat of the Burgher Watch, as a magistrates court, police station and City Hall. Today it houses the precious and internationally renowned collection of art works by 16th to 18th century Dutch and Flemish Masters.