The Owl House Nieu-Bethesda — Attraction in Camdeboo Local Municipality

Could this be ancient Bethesda in Bible ? a pool in Jerusalem where Jesus performed a miracle by healing a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. The pool was believed to have healing properties, with a superstitious legend that an angel would stir the waters, and the first person to enter would be healed. The biblical account highlights Jesus's authority and his demonstration of true healing over superstition, even on the Sabbath. Location: The Pool of Bethesda was located in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, and was described as having five covered colonnades or porches. Archaeological evidence has confirmed the existence of a large site with two pools and five porticos that matches this description. The miracle: In John 5, Jesus found a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well, the man explained he couldn't get into the pool because others went ahead of him. Jesus then commanded him to "Rise, take up your mat, and walk," and the man was instantly healed. Theological significance: The event is significant because it occurred on the Sabbath, leading to a confrontation with Jewish religious leaders. Jesus's response demonstrated that the Sabbath was a day for healing and that he was working in unity with God, establishing his divine authority. The story emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true "living water" and can provide spiritual and physical renewal, far beyond the superstitious healing properties...

The Owl House Museum, Nieu Bethesda - ★★★★★ A mesmerizing visit to The Owl House, a true gem of outsider art! Helen Martins (1897-1976), a reclusive South African artist, transformed her home into a vibrant wonderland of over 300 concrete and glass sculptures after returning to Nieu Bethesda to care for her parents. Her creative journey, sparked by a desire to escape a mundane life, is beautifully captured in an 8-minute introductory video that details her life and artistic practice. I was deeply impressed by her prolific output and the meticulous preservation of her colourful, otherworldly creations, from the glittering glass-encrusted interiors to the iconic Camel Yard. At R100 entry, it’s a captivating experience that’s well worth the visit—every corner tells a story of her...

It's an eerie feeling, knowing the history of Helene Martin's and then walking throughout the house. It's like being transported back a few decades into the kitchen, living room and bedroom of a very excentric aunt. There are still bottles of preserve which she made and never ate. There is an inventory full of her own materials she used. But seeing the tattered clothing and charming her meager living that Helene had at least materially, one feels an awestruck sympathy for her, which is very strange. Then you look upon her yard and realize this was a person of substance. She may have been looking for herself her entire life, but the person she was definitely came to the fore in her...