The early 18th century Chavonnes Battery once held 16 good-sized canons to protect against attacks from the sea, but most disappeared as its stone was repurposed in 1860. Rediscovered by chance, excavated and conserved in 1999, it is now a museum of early Cape Town with guides in period costumes telling the tales. If you're in town on New Year's Eve, you can celebrate at the museum's underground year-end party that includes 18th century tricorn hats, cannon firing, drumming circle, museum tour and buffet dining.