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Pretoria (Tshwane), Gauteng, South Africa |
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Pretoria, The CityThe administrative capital of South Africa, Pretoria lies about 50 km north of Johannesburg. The population, just under a million, consists mainly of officials, and in Pretoria life goes at a much slower pace than in the hectic Johannesburg. It is quite easy for the visitor to find his or her way through the city, which is laid out like a chess board. Pretoria lies at a level of 1367 m above sea level, which makes it about 400 m lower than Johannesburg. It is surrounded by protecting mountains. The climate is subtropical with hot, wet summers and relatively mild, dry winters. The nicest time for a visit to Pretoria is spring, when in October more than 70,000 Jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Then the whole town of Pretoria is one big purple-coloured and sweet-smelling sea of blossoms. The exotic trees were imported from South America some 100 years ago and gave the town its nickname: "Jacaranda City." Pretoria, South AfricaUnion BuildingsFor many South Africans the Union Buildings are the most beautiful seat of a government in the world. Sir Herbert Baker was the architect of this 275 m long building and had it built in the English monumental style from light sandstone. It does indeed look majestic and lends a solemn environment to the official acts of the respective President. The Union Building has a half-round shape. The two wings at the sides represent the Boerish and the English part of the population. The building's name comes from the time of the South African Union, which was only changed in 1961 to the current name, the Republic of South Africa. Since the first free and common elections in South Africa in 1994 the Union Building has been the seat of Ex-President Nelson Mandela for the winter season. Parliament spends the summer in Cape Town, the alternate capital. Pretoria, South AfricaVoortrekker MonumentThe Voortrekkers played an important part in Pretoria's past. The capital of the Boer republic in Transvaal was named after Andries Pretorius, the victorious leader of the Boers in the war against the Zulus. The founders of the former South African Republic were honoured by a colossal monument situated on Monument Hill, which is supposed to be a reminder of the courage, determination and persistence of the Voortrekkers. The Voortrekker Monument, which does not appear very attractive to tourists, is a national icon for Afrikaans South Africans. Particularly on December 16, the anniversary of the battle at the Blood River, Afrikaners from all over the country stream to the Voortrekker Monument to commemorate the - in their view - most important event in the history of South Africa. The Building is constructed in such a way that just on that day at 12 noon a ray of sunlight falls onto the Shrine of Honour in the Heroes’ Hall. It bears the inscription: "Ons vir jou, Zuid Afrika!" (We for you, South Africa!). 
Click on the link above to visit the website of the Voortrekker Monument Copy and information suplied by Copyright www.suedafrika.net Online Travel Guide. 33 Andrews Street, Hout Bay 7800, South Africa. |
       
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MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN AND CLOSE TO PRETORIA IN SOUTH AFRICAPioneer Museum - T 012 803 6086 BUILDINGS AROUND CHURCH SQUAREPalace of Justice SHOPPINGBrooklyn Mall HOSPITALSFaerie Glen GOLFKimead Pretoria |
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When indicated in the information bar, the establishments are members of the following accommodation quality control associations:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW: Tshwane Township Bed & Breakfast Association |
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