An hour’s drive from Johannesburg lies Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa in Gauteng Province. A modern city with wide roads and highways, Pretoria is full of historic landmarks, government buildings, and must-see sights (BEST THINGS TO DO IN JOHANNESBURG).
The iconic Union Buildings are a highlight, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first Black president in 1994, moment that marked the country’s democratic rebirth. Once central to the apartheid regime, by 1996 Pretoria had grown into a modern administrative and educational hub, offering visitors plenty of things to see and do, from historic sites to cultural attractions.
During spring, usually from October to November, Pretoria bursts into color with its famous jacaranda trees, especially in the Arcadia and Brooklyn areas, known for their iconic jacaranda-lined streets. Early in the season, the flowers may appear as small purple spots, yet they immediately draw attention. Whether driving or walking, the trees bring the area to life, creating a stunning and memorable scene.
Other notable jacaranda spots include Groenkloof and Brooklyn roads and Hatfield and Arcadia streets near Government Road, where the blooms enhance historic buildings and add visual appeal to the cityscape.
The soft, sweet, slightly floral scent of
the jacaranda flowers, particularly around university campuses, enhances the
atmosphere of the season, making it one of Pretoria’s most celebrated
spectacles. For locals, the blooming season also signals exam time, with the
playful belief that if a jacaranda flower falls on your head, you will pass
your exams.
Beyond their beauty, jacaranda trees symbolize growth, resilience, and renewal, reflecting Pretoria’s transformation from a historical administrative hub into a modern, thriving city (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN CAPE TOWN).
The Union Buildings
The Union
Buildings are the most significant landmark in Pretoria. This is the place
where Nelson Mandela stood during his inauguration in 1994 as South Africa’s
first Black president, marking the country’s peaceful transition to democracy.
Being at the Union Buildings feels like paying tribute to Mandela and what he
stood for.
Mandela spent 18
years in prison on Robben Island (1964–1982), followed by time at Pollsmoor
Prison in Cape Town (1982–1988) and 2 years at Victor Verster Prison near Paarl,
before being released on 11 February 1990.
The Union
Buildings are the headquarters of South Africa’s government, though the offices
inside are not open to the public. The grounds, however, can be visited, with
terraces, gardens, and open spaces offering plenty to see. Across Government
Avenue, on a hill overlooking the buildings, is the Delville Wood Memorial, a
sandstone monument that honors South African soldiers who fought in World War
I. From here, the Union Buildings and the city of Pretoria can be admired in
full.
Church Square, Pretoria
Another top sight in Pretoria is Church Square, located in the heart of the
city. This historic public square has been the central gathering place since
the 19th century, where locals still spend time. Church Square is worth
including as part of a tour of South Africa because of the significant
buildings that reflect the country’s history.
Whether passing by on a city tour or walking from one building to another for short pit stops, the square allows time to admire the architecture and take photographs. A visit here usually takes about an hour. Church Square is not just a group of buildings in one area; it tells the story of Pretoria’s political, judicial, and cultural past.
Palace of Justice
This stone building with classical architecture, grand columns, and detailed
façades has served as Pretoria’s main court for decades. It is most famous as
the site of the Rivonia Trial (1963–1964), where Nelson Mandela and other
anti-apartheid leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Paul Kruger Statue on Horseback
At the center of the square stands the statue of Paul Kruger on horseback,
honoring the former president of the South African Republic. He played a major
role in the country’s history, and the statue has become an iconic symbol of
Pretoria.
Ou Raadsaal (Old Council Hall)
The Ou Raadsaal once housed the city council. Its Victorian-style design
reflects Pretoria’s colonial era and early governance, making it an important
reminder of the city’s administrative past.
General Post Office
A landmark building with colonial-era design, the General Post Office played a
key role in communications and marks Pretoria’s growth as an organized urban
center in the 19th century.
Old Capitol Theatre
Near the square is the Old Capitol Theatre, a cultural venue that once hosted
plays, concerts, and public events. It provides a glimpse into the social and
cultural life of early Pretoria.
Other Historic Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa
Several other buildings around the square, including government offices, old
shops, and commercial blocks, showcase late 19th- and early 20th-century
styles. Together, they form a cohesive historical and visual setting for Church
Square.
Voortrekker Monument
Just south of Pretoria, on a hill inside a 240-hectare nature reserve, is the
Voortrekker Monument, one of Gauteng’s most visited heritage sites. It is also
the only Grade 1 National Heritage Site in Pretoria and is listed among the top
cultural and historical attractions in South Africa.
The monument was built to remember the
Afrikaner pioneers who took part in the Great Trek between 1835 and 1854, when
they left the Cape Colony, which was under British rule at that time. Designed
by Gerard Moerdijk, the granite structure is 40 meters tall and was opened on
16 December 1949.
Inside the monument is the Hall of Heroes,
decorated with long marble friezes that tell the story of the Great Trek. At
the center lies a marble cenotaph, which can be seen from the upper level
through an opening in the dome. A museum at the base further explains the
history of the Voortrekkers and their journey. On 16 December each year,
sunlight shines through the dome onto the cenotaph, marking the Day of
Reconciliation in South Africa.
Today, the Voortrekker Monument stands as both a reminder of the past and one of Pretoria’s top attractions, with gardens and wide views over the city that can be admired from the top.
Nelson Mandela Square
The first thing that stands out when entering Nelson Mandela Square from the
main road is the six-metre-tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, weighing 2.5
tons. It is a striking landmark and a picture spot for many.
The statue was created by South African artists Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane and placed here on 31 March 2004. On the same day, the square, formerly known as Sandton Square, was renamed Nelson Mandela Square.
Located in the heart of Sandton,
Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Square is both a landmark and a shopping
destination. Shopping in Mandela Square ranges from international brands to
local products. South African Rooibos Tea, Chocolates Made in South Africa, and
pre-packed food from the supermarket can be purchased. Designer items by top
South African designers are also part of the shopping in Mandela Square.
For food, the square has restaurants and cafes offering South African and international cuisines. Having a meal or drink outdoors also gives a view of the modern surroundings of Sandton, filled with skyscrapers, office towers, and luxury hotels. This makes Nelson Mandela Square a blend of history, shopping, and is considered Johannesburg’s financial and lifestyle hub.
