And while visiting the cellars for tasting of Port and fine red, white and dessert wines, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the many examples of immaculately maintained old Georgian, Victorian, Cape Dutch and Karoo-style houses and prepare to be stunned by the beauty of the ubiquitous bougainvillea blooming on virtually every street corner of this quaint village.

Pride of the main street is the Dutch Reformed Church, Calitzdorps national monument, where building began in 1855. At Die Dorpshuis opposite the church, ask for the keys to see the famed bible-illustrating tapestries woven by congregants many years ago. Just walk in and take a pew. The organ, too, is a famous instrument, renowned for its sound and size. Another place of worship deserves a visit: the tiny chapel down the road from the big church. It is reputed to be the second smallest Anglican church in the world.

The area is also renowned for its indigenous flora, especially the 500 species of succulents, 200 of which are found nowhere else on earth. And not least, the stunning sunsets and glorious Karoo night sky with its billions of stars, totally unsullied by the citys smog, will live long in your memory.

Calitzdorps welcoming facilities include accommodation and dining to suit all tastes and pockets: from a Persian rug and antique-furnished four star guest house to relaxed self-catering cottages, and from pizzas to a restaurant listed among the top 100 in South Africa.