Aberdeen, situated in the delightful Camdeboo Plains of the Eastern Karoo on the N9 between Graaff Reinet and the Garden Route, offers history for the mind and peace for the soul.
The district is renowned for its wool and mohair, being the largest mohair producing area in South Africa. The town has an extremely healthy climate, a restful and rural atmosphere, unpolluted air and unequalled starry night skies.
Aberdeen is a declared architectural conservation town and a veritable repository of styles including Victorian, Georgian, Karoo, German, Gothic Revival, Russian, Art Nouveau and Flemish Revival. Excellent examples of the ostrich baron dwellings can be seen. Strolling through this historic town one is able to discover its rich heritage.
Aberdeen's delight is its seemingly unending source of water which comes from a spring ("Die Oog") in the Fonteinbos just outside the town. This fountain has never run dry and is the source of the leading water (leiwater) supplied to the lower portion of the town
Attractions
Cemetery
Aberdeen's cemetery is well kept and shaded by Cypress trees and a veritable walk through the history of the town. Adjacent to the Christian cemetery is the Jewish cemetery, rich with a story of its own of the former Jewish residents of Aberdeen.
Architecture
The architecture of buildings offer the visitor an eclectic popourri of eras and styles as can be seen at the DR Church Hall, Magistrate's Court, Post Office and number of other buildings.
Aberdeen has at least six homes which could be national monuments. Carmen Villa, Pagel House (named after the owner of Pagel's Circus), Villeria, Greenfield House, De Denne, and even the school, are unspoilt Victorian delights. During the period 1900 - 1930, Aberdeen went through a boom period. The grand old homes were termed "Ostrich Palaces" and even today the interiors remain largely unchanged.
Churches
A rich diversity of places of worship can be found in town:.
- Nederduitsche Gereformeerde (NG) Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church)
- St Mary and All Saints Anglican Church
- Congregational Church
- New Apostolic Church
- Afrikaanse Protestantse Kerk
- Church of Christ
- St Peter & St Paul Anglican Church
- N.G. Sendingkerk
- Historical Church
Biblical Art Panels
Twenty scenes portray the history of God's Covenant with mankind in the Dutch Reformed Church hall
Fonteinbos Nature Reserve
Fonteinbos is the local nature reserve at Aberdeen. A natural spring has its source within the reserve and is known as "Die Oog" (The Eye). The reserve plays host to an abundance of bird life as well as vervet monkeys, springbok, ostrich and some kudu.
