#TRAVEL My Weekly Powerup | #club100 | Beautiful, historic buildings in Pretoria, South Africa | #steemexclusive / 14 photos

A day trip to Pretoria was a highlight of my travel to South Africa. We did a day trip from Johannesburg with a local guide. First stop was the Voortrekker Monument. An amazing place telling part of South Africa’s history. Before we drove back to Johannesburg, our guide took us on a drive through the centre of Pretoria. It was already late in the afternoon, but at Church Square she made a stop to show us beautiful architecture surrounding the square.

The square is called Church Square, but there is no church here. In 1855 there was a church located in here. Hence the name. There has been another church after the first, that burnt down. The last church was never replaced. Instead, there is a statue of Paul Kruger. He was a politician in the 19th century who became State President of Transvaal / South African Republic from 1883 – 1900.

Ou Raadsaal

The square has impressive, historic buildings that definitive makes it worth to walk all the way round it. The first building to make a stop, was Ou Raadsaal (Council Hall). It’s located in the southern end of Church Sq. This beautiful building once housed the House of Parliament in the South African Republic (1891-1902). I the late 19th century it was the South African Republic who commissioned this building a governmental building.

It was designed in a renaissance revival, architectural style. The architect was Dutch. The whole building process started in 1889 and it was the President Paul Kruger who laid the first stone. The building was completed in 1891. It didn’t function as the House of the Government. It was left in 1902 when the South African Republic was annexed by Britain. It has been undergoing restoration.

Netherland Bank

The Netherland Bank is placed on the west side of the square. This building dates to 1888 and it does not function as a bank anymore.

Besides there is this interesting building with an owl on the top of this corner building. I didn’t notice the owl before the guided pointed at it. There is a café on the ground floor.

Then we cross Church Street to have a look at the next couple of buildings. This is the Geneal Post Office. Quite an impressive building. To me it looks more like a building that houses a theatre or opera.

Palace of Justice

The last building we stop to look at, is located on the northern side of the square. This is the Palace of Justice. It is also a 19th century building with a Dutch architect behind. The President Kruger also laid the first stone here. When it comes to historical events, the most known trial is probably the Rivonia Trial. We were told that important historical events also have taken place here. At the Palace of Justice, the Rivonia Treason Trial was held. This trial sentenced Nelson Mandela and members of the ANC to prison. The ANC were revolutionaries who were just as dedicated as Mandela when it comes to struggling for the people of South Africa. The building once served as hospital during the Second Boer War.

This square is still a place where people meet. We were very pleased to have had the chance to make a stop here. Not only to look at beautiful architecture, but also to soak up the atmosphere.

CC @patjewell

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All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)

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