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One of South Africa’s three capital cities, Pretoria offers a unique insight into the country’s vibrant past. Moulded over the years by many diverse cultural influences, the city and its surroundings have attracted history enthusiasts from all over.
When touring Pretoria, snap a keepsake photograph in front of the panoramic view presented atop the hill that holds the 40m high Voortrekker Monument. Venture inside the building and experience the domed Hall of Heroes, which consists of 27 bas-relief panels telling of the history of the Great Trek.
Pop into the Kruger House Museum to view the house of the former president of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Enjoy the interiors of the house which have been refurbished to reflect the times in which President Kruger lived. Then, head to Church Square in central Pretoria and view the statue that pays homage to the famed president. Once there, take in the historical buildings that surround the civic space of the square.
Nearby, visit the grand Union Buildings where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated in 1994. Take a moment to reflect on this emblem of democracy before completing your tour with a remnant of colonial South Africa at the Melrose Museum.
• View the Great Trek Hall of Heroes at the Voortrekker Monument
• Explore the house of the former President Paul Kruger
• Visit the ‘official seat’ of the South African government
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument, just south of Pretoria, is a massive granite building prominently located on a hilltop and presenting a panoramic view of the city. It was raised to commemorate the early Voortrekker pioneers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854 and journeyed across the country in ox-wagons. Known as the Great Trek by Dutch-speaking colonists, the journey took years and led to the founding of many LOCAL republics along the way.
Paul Kruger House
Kruger House is the historic Pretoria residence of the former South African President Paul Kruger. The house was built in 1884, and architecture enthusiasts will note that it was built using milk instead of water to mix with the cement. The house was also one of the first in Pretoria to be lit with electricity. As it stands, Paul Kruger House contains original furnishings, as well as some of the many gifts and memorabilia that were presented to Kruger.
Church Square
Church Square in central Pretoria was the site of the city’s first church, built in 1855 as decreed by Marthinus Pretorius, the founder of Pretoria. Today it is a grand civic space surrounded by several historically and architecturally significant buildings in varying neo-classical architectural styles. The square’s most prominent feature is the statue of the late President Paul Kruger.
Union Buildings
The grand Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, rest atop Meintjieskop and overlook the city of Pretoria. The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and house the offices of the President of South Africa. It was here that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in May 1994.
Melrose House
Melrose House is a charming historical museum found in Jacob Maré Street in Pretoria. The museum is an elegant remnant of colonial South Africa. The stately mansion is conveniently located across from Burger’s Park and played an important role during the Anglo-Boer wars when it was requisitioned as a war office.
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Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument, just south of Pretoria, is a massive granite building prominently located on a hilltop and presenting a panoramic view of the city. It was raised to commemorate the early Voortrekker pioneers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854 and journeyed across the country in ox-wagons. Known as the Great Trek by Dutch-speaking colonists, the journey took years and led to the founding of many LOCAL republics along the way.
Paul Kruger House
Kruger House is the historic Pretoria residence of the former South African President Paul Kruger. The house was built in 1884, and architecture enthusiasts will note that it was built using milk instead of water to mix with the cement. The house was also one of the first in Pretoria to be lit with electricity. As it stands, Paul Kruger House contains original furnishings, as well as some of the many gifts and memorabilia that were presented to Kruger.
Church Square
Church Square in central Pretoria was the site of the city’s first church, built in 1855 as decreed by Marthinus Pretorius, the founder of Pretoria. Today it is a grand civic space surrounded by several historically and architecturally significant buildings in varying neo-classical architectural styles. The square’s most prominent feature is the statue of the late President Paul Kruger.
Union Buildings
The grand Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, rest atop Meintjieskop and overlook the city of Pretoria. The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and house the offices of the President of South Africa. It was here that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in May 1994.
Melrose House
Melrose House is a charming historical museum found in Jacob Maré Street in Pretoria. The museum is an elegant remnant of colonial South Africa. The stately mansion is conveniently located across from Burger’s Park and played an important role during the Anglo-Boer wars when it was requisitioned as a war office.
