Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is filled with history. Take a look at the landmarks and monuments worth visiting.
CHURCH SQUARE
Church Square surrounds the bronze sculpture of Paul Kruger, the president of South Africa from 1883 till 1900. This statue was sculpted in 1896 by Anton van Wouw and was placed in the square in 1954.
When Pretoria Central grew, it expanded from Church Square. Cool, huh? And Church Street is one of the world’s longest urban thoroughfares; measuring a distance of 26km from end to end.
Where? At the intersection of Church Street and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central
THE FREEDOM PARK
The Freedom Park was designed to promote the diversity of South Africa, and for the world to understand and appreciate our country’s struggle for liberation. As you take a walk through the Garden of Remembrance, you’ll be humbled by the icons of humanity and freedom.
Where? Koch Street, Salvokop
THE KRUGER HOUSE
The Kruger House is a modest, single-storied building with a wide verandah. It was presented to Paul Kruger in 1884 and he would have informal meetings with citizens on the verandah.
The house has since been restored to resemble its original character. When you visit, you will be able to see some of Paul Kruger’s furniture, his personal belongings, his carriage and stinkwood trek wagon, and other various memorabilia.
Where? Nkomo Street, Pretoria Central
UNION BUILDINGS
The graceful architecture of the Union Buildings was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and was completed in 1913. This magnificent, red sandstone building overlooks Pretoria from the heights of Meintjies Kop.
A visit to the Union Buildings will give you an opportunity to witness the panoramic views of the city, the Nelson Mandela statue, the Pretoria war memorial, the Delville Wood memorial, and the Garden of Remembrance.
Where? Government Avenue
THE VOORTREKKER MONUMENT
The Voortrekker Monument was built in honour of the thousands of Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony on the Great Trek between 1835 and 1854.
Inside the Voortrekker Monument, a unique marble Frieze tells the story of the Great Trek in 27 bas-relief panels. The story doesn’t only tell the history but also shows us their everyday life, work methods, and religious beliefs. But the central focus of the Monument is the Cenotaph.
Once a year, on December 16th at twelve o’clock, a ray of sunshine shines through an opening in the dome of the Monument. When the light falls onto the centre of the Cenotaph, the words “Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika” (Afrikaans for “We’re for you, South Africa”) can be seen.
The ray of light symbolises God’s blessing on the lives and endeavours of the Voortrekkers.
Where? Eeufees Road, Groenkloof
Still looking for things to do in Pretoria? Click here.
