Are you looking to explore the history of Pretoria through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Pretoria including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Pretoria. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Pretoria ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Pretoria, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Pretoria for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Pretoria
Let's witness the history of Pretoria with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Voortrekker Monument And Nature Reserve
(731 Votes)
The Voortrekkers are among South Africa’s most beloved heroes. Fed up of British control near the coast, these Afrikaners of Dutch descent undertook the famous Great Trek in flimsy caravans over a great number of years. Eventually they established some of interior South Africa’s most important settlements. The monument was opened in 1949 in commemoration of this endeavour. A great s...Read more -
This is the seat of the South African government and the residence of the South African president. The buildings are said to epitomise democracy. The east and west wings and their domed towers represent the two languages of the country, English and Afrikaans. It has been the spot of many of South Africa’s most historic events, most notably the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela. Tod...Read more -
Freedom Park
(435 Votes)
This is one of the most revered sites in the city, and visiting it is a sobering experience. The park was built to commemorate all those who gave their lives in the formation of South Africa’s freedom. The park’s design draws inspiration from most South African influences. There’s a great 700-metre wall on which are inscribed the names of those who died in major South African ...Read more -
Church Square
(448 Votes)
Though there’s not much to do at Church Square, it’s still worth visiting for it’s historical value. It’s the centre of Pretoria and surrounded by a number of old but important buildings. There’s the Palace of Justice, the Old Capitol Theatre, the National Bank and Mint, The Tudor Chambers, the Old Council Chamber and the General Post Office, all of which have some...Read more -
Paul Kruger House
(404 Votes)
The residence of South African Boer hero Paul Kruger commands a deep love from the citizens. The house has been preserved in the state that it was when the president lived there. The building itself can claim a few curious novelties; it was one of the first electrically lit buildings in the city. The cement that went into its construction of such poor quality that it had to be mixed with milk r...Read more -
Sammy Marks House
(253 Votes)
In the pleasant location of Savannah Country Estate, Pretoria, the Sammy Marks Museum is a prominent tourist spot which you can visit to enjoy a great time with your tour companions. Sammy Marks is an eminent name in the history of South Africa. He was an entrepreneur and he used to appreciate art in an earnest way. The museum is actually based in the mansion of the Marks family. The palatial b...Read more -
Melrose House
(319 Votes)
George Heyes, who made his fortune in diamonds in the late 1800’s, commissioned the house. He used it for his honeymoon. It’s so why is a pretty but otherwise unassuming looking mansion in Pretoria so famous? Because ten years later, the British Army used it as its primary headquarters for the Second Boer War and it was in this house that the final treaty was signed and the war was ...Read more -
Located on the hilltop, Voortrekker Monument is an important national heritage site near Pretoria. It was erected to honor the trekkers who left the Cape Colony between the mid-1800s. The empty tomb and historical frieze are the two main attractions here. Different statues adorn the sides of the monument adding to its architectural beauty. The influence of Egyptian architecture is also evident ...Read more -
Pretoria Forts is a group of 4 different forts that were built around the 1890s. Three of these are German forts named Fort Wonderboompoort, Fort Klapperkop, and Fort Schanskop. Remaining one is the French Fort named Fort Daspoortrand. These have witnessed the Second Boer War and hold a significant place in the local history. Today, there are several displays where you can see arms and ammuniti...Read more