Cullinan is a small town with a huge heritage. In 1905, the world's largest uncut diamond was found here – the legendary Cullinan diamond, weighing an incredible 3,106 carats.
The Big Hole at Kimberley is remarkable for the fact that it was created entirely by manual excavation. The Cullinan Diamond Mine big hole was excavated mechanically and is four times the size of Kimberley’s famous excavation. Since its establishment in 1902, Cullinan Diamond Mine has produced diamonds totalling 119 781 048 carats, including a high proportion of the world’s largest gemstones.
These include the Golden Jubilee (755.5 carats uncut), Centenary (599.1 carats uncut), the Niarchos (426.5 carats uncut), the Great Star of Africa (530.2 carats, cut from the Cullinan), the Lesser Star of Africa (317.4 carats, cut from the Cullinan), the flawless Premier Rose (353.02 carats uncut), the Taylor-Burton (69.42 carats cut) and the Blue Heart (30.82 carats cut).
Today, Cullinan Diamond Mine still produces some 25% of the world’s finest gem quality diamonds.
If you are interested in finding out more about the history of diamond mining in South Africa, as well as about current diamond mining, the mine offers surface and underground tours.
Cullinan offers more than just a mine. This quaint Victorian and Edwardian village features clusters of original stone miner’s cottages, a turn-of-the-century station, and authentic trading centre buildings. It was named after prospector and mining entrepreneur, Thomas Cullinan, who, in 1902, bought the farm Elandsfontein from the Prinsloo family and started the Cullinan Diamond Mine.
Jacaranda and oak-lined avenues are flanked by charming guesthouses, a host of eateries, and arts and antique shops. The Cullinan experience incorporates engineering, history, culture and heritage, intermingled with the beauty of nature and friendly people.
Amongst the attractions of Cullinan are diamond outlets, a jewellry school, craft shops (including glassworks and candles), art galleries and studios, antiques, theatres, a winery and an open-air museum.
Places of interest:
St George's Anglican Church - On 8 March 1908, Lady Cullinan laid the foundation stone of this beautiful Herbert Baker-designed stone church.
McHardy House Mini Museum - This house was built for William McHardy, the first general manager of Cullinan mine. Dating back to 1904, the oldest house in Cullinan has family photographs, dŽcor and antique furnishings that reflect living conditions at that time.
Cullinan Square - Established in 1904 and rebuilt in 1912 after fire damage, this National Heritage Site in the heart of Cullinan has eight frescoes painted by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. The murals, in the style of Erich Mayer and WH Coetzer, portray scenes of the Union Buildings and Great Trek.