The Ou Raadsaal (old Council Chamber), served as the first parliament of South Africa. The building was designed by Sytze Wopke Wierda in a classical style of Greek and Roman architecture. Originally supposed to be two storeys high, president Paul Kruger insisted a 3rd storey added so that it would not be shorter than the nearby hotel. The Ou Raadsaal building was restored in 1962, when the British Coat of arms over the entrance was replaced by the South African Republic’s coat of arms, a replica of the one originally sculpted by Anton van Wouw. After many years of planning and research, the Raadsaal was once again restored in 1992, in an effort to return it to its former glory.
The Union Buildings in Pretoria are home to the form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa, and have always been central to South African history. It is here that Nelson Mandela became the state President in 1994, changing the face of South Africa. The beautiful gardens around the Union Buildings are very well maintained, and offer a lovely garden park to stroll through and relax.
The great grey colossus of the massive Voortrekker Monument can be seen from all directions as you approach Pretoria. Built in honor of the Voortrekkers (Pioneers), who left the Cape Colony in their thousands between 1835 and 1854.
This 360 degree photo (Roof of Voortrekker Monument) was taken on the north east side of the roof, 60 meters above the ground. The photographic equipment used to capture the 360 degree image was mounted on our new 4.5 meter high pole (more on this new elevated pole in a future article).
Church Square in Pretoria is home to a statue of Paul Kruger, the man famous for the Kruger National Park and the Kruger Rand coin that bears his name. Pretoria is the administrative Capitol of South Africa, and home to many historic buildings.
