Pretoria city located 50 kilometers in the north of Johannesburg. In general, Pretoria regarded as the capital of South Africa but the city is actually the center of government of this country. And many interesting tourist attractions you can visit to spend your holiday in Pretoria.
Several decades ago, the city was criticized for being the center of the apartheid government. Now, the city of Pretoria is the place of various nations and cultural center with several theaters, museums and of course one of the city which will host soccer matches at the 2010 World Cup at Loftus Versfeld stadium.
Here are some interesting tourist attractions in Pretoria that you can visit:
1. Voortrekker monument
Voortrekker
Monument is a monument located in the city of Pretoria, South Africa.
This monument was built with large granite structure to honor
Voortrekkers (Pioneers), designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk. The main
part of the building known as the Hall of Heroes is decorated with
Italian decor. It shows the history of the epic journey which attracts
about 200,000 visitors per year.
2. National Zoological Gardens
Founded as the Anglo-Boer War began in 1899, the national zoo of South Africa in Pretoria which is originated from the farm but currently 209 species of mammals, 202 species of birds, 190 species of fish, 4 species of invertebrates, 93 species of reptiles, amphibians and 7 species has become a permanent resident of this place.
This zoo has a spacious 85 acres, includes an aquarium and reptile park. Here also established three conservation organizations for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The most interesting thing you can do is overnight camping adventure. The zoo is open from Monday to Saturday starting at 8:30 to 17:30 local time.
3. Church Square
Church Square is the historic city center of Pretoria, South Africa. The most prominent characteristic of this landscape is a statue of Boer leader and President of the South African Republic Paul Kruger at its center. Some important historical buildings and architecture around the square like the Palace of Justice, Old Capitol Theatre, Tudor Chambers, Ou Raadsaal and Post Office designed by John Cleland.
4. Union Building
Union Building is where the South African government official and the office of President of South Africa. Union Buildings are built of light sandstone, designed by architect Sir Herbert Baker in the English monumental style.
An important part of Unioin Buildings, is the park, which has native plants as well as 9,000 seat Amphitheatre. Union Buildings and the park is a spectacular place to be seen during a visit to Pretoria.
5. Menlyn Park
Menlyn Park (area 115 000 square meters) is the largest shopping center in Pretoria. Here you can find stores and large retailers. Menlyn Park is located at the corner of Lois Avenue and Atterbury Road close to the N1 Highway is also one of the most prestigious shopping centers and most popular in Pretoria.
