The Pearl of the Winelands
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In 1657, explorer Abraham Gabbema saw the great granite domes above the valley gleaming after a rain shower, as if covered in diamonds and pearls. He called the range the Peerlbergh, or Pearl Mountain. The town below later became Paarl.
Paarl Rock is one of the largest granite outcrops in the world, after Uluru in Australia. It towers over the town and the Berg River valley, and you can walk on it.
1657
Gabbema names the glittering mountain Pearl.
Granite giant
Paarl Rock is one of the largest granite outcrops on earth.
KWV
The wine co-operative KWV was founded here in 1918.
🇿🇦 Cape spotlight
Paarl's Main Street is one of the longest in South Africa, lined with old Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings.
🧠 Quick check: tap to reveal
🤔 What did Abraham Gabbema call the mountain?
Peerlbergh, or Pearl Mountain.
🤔 Which rock is bigger than Paarl Rock?
Uluru, in Australia.
Lesson 2: Paarl fun facts