What to see in Pretoria Gauteng
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Discovering Pretoria, Gauteng: A Guide to the Must-See Attractions
Introduction
While Pretoria may not have developed as rapidly as Johannesburg, it boasts some of South Africa's most impressive landmarks. Known as Jakkarandastad for its stunning jacaranda trees, this city offers a rich blend of history and beauty.
Highlights of Pretoria
The Union Buildings
A masterpiece of architecture, the Union Buildings are situated on Meintjieskop in Arcadia, a former farmland area. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, these buildings symbolize the unification of the South African colonies into a union.
The Union Buildings are 275 meters long and feature a semi-circular design with two wings, representing the English and Afrikaans populations of the time. The gardens, filled with roses from England and plants from Rotterdam and South Africa, attract visitors from around the globe. Notably, South Africa’s Parliament convenes here during winter months.
The Voortrekker Monument
Visible from almost anywhere in Pretoria, the Voortrekker Monument honors the Voortrekkers who embarked on the Great Trek from the Cape Colony in 1836. Designed by Gerard Moerdijk, the monument was inaugurated on December 16, 1949, standing 40 meters high with a 40 by 40-meter base.
An amphitheater accommodating 20,000 people was added in 1949. At the monument's core is the cenotaph, crowned by the Hall of Heroes’ dome. Each year on December 16, a beam of sunlight illuminates the cenotaph at noon, highlighting the inscription "Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika" (We for Thee, South Africa), symbolizing divine favor.
Significance of December 16
December 16 is a day of remembrance, originally honoring a vow made during the Battle of Blood River, where the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulus. The day serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives and remains a subject of diverse interpretations among South Africans.
Conclusion
Regardless of your perspective on the history represented by these sites, the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument are truly remarkable. Visiting these landmarks offers insight into South Africa's past and the country's journey to the present. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and appreciate this unique part of the world.
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