Pretoria Landmarks and Monuments

(Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa)

Look on any visitor's itinerary during a visit to Pretoria and the city's Union Buildings and Voortreekker monument are sure to be at the top. They are the most noteworthy landmarks in Pretoria and quite rightly so.

However, take a stroll around this small, relatively quiet city, and you will be rewarded with a host of other interesting landmarks, including Pretoria's historic squares and some real architectural monuments, dating back to the 19th century.

Voortrekker Monument

Address: Eufees Road, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 326 6770
This huge monument stands on the skyline of Pretoria and is an unmissable part of a visit to Pretoria. In fact, some 200,000 people visit it each year. The Voortrekker Monument was originally built to commemorate the Vootrekkers who settled in this area during the 19th century. A large frieze depicts their arduous journey, known as the Great Trek. Since Nelson Mandela's visit to the monument in 2002, it has also been adopted by some as a symbol of the former apartheid regime.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:45, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:45
Admission: charge

Church Square

Address: Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Church Square is located right at the heart of Pretoria - both in terms of the city's geography and its past. Centre stage is a statue of the former South African President, Paul Kruger. The square is also home to a small garden, which comes complete with some of Pretoria's famous Jacaranda trees. Look out too for the Place of Justice, Old Capitol Theatre and the General Post Office, all of which surround Church Square. All in all, this is a good place to rest awhile, to admire Pretoria's historic buildings and to get your bearings.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Union Buildings

Address: Church Street, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 326 6770
These grand buildings are the official seat of the South African Government, as well as being home to the South African President's offices. Built between 1910 and 1913, the buildings are considered to be something of an architectural triumph. Of particular note is the Union Buildings' distinctive semi-circular shape.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

South African Reserve Bank

Address: Church Street, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 313 3911
An unmissable landmark on the skyline is the central bank of South Africa. Not only is the South African Reserve Bank the tallest building in the city above ground - it also extends deep under the city with its network of underground vaults.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

City Hall

Address: Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
The main feature of Pretoria's City Hall is a huge clock tower that houses some 32 bells. Look out for the statues of city founder, Andries Pretorious, and his son, which can be found outside the very stately City Hall.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Strijdom Square

Address: Van de Wait Street / Church Street, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 313 7694
Strijdom Square was built in the 1970s on the site of a former market. Today, visitors can admire a bronze bust of J.G. Stridjom, Prime Minister Advocate, as well as a statue of charging horses.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free