Pretoria

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and attractive city of the Gauteng province. Founded in 1855, the city was named after Afrikaner leader Andries Pretorius, one of the Voortrekkers who moved from the Cape to escape British rule. In 1860 it became the capital of the independent Transvaal Voortrekker Republic. After the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, the city became the capital of the then British colony, and in 1910 it was named the administrative capital of the Union of South Africa. In 1948, when the National Party came to power, Pretoria became the seat of the apartheid government. In 1964 the Rivonia Treason Trial was held here, and Nelson Mandela and seven of his colleagues were sentenced to life in prison. The city of Pretoria is located 48 km (30 mi) north of Johannesburg, and lies within the Tshwane metropolitan area, which was formed in 2000 when Pretoria and its surrounding areas - Centurion, the townships of Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and Shoshanguve merged under a single municipal authority. The country's administrative capital and home to many senior politicians and diplomats, Pretoria is a pleasant city, with historic buildings and a city center that is easily explored on foot. When visiting Pretoria it is a good idea to be acquainted with the city layout in advance, as this way you will be able to find your way quickly and easy. It advisable to plan diverse activities combining city walks with visits to neighbouring landmarks and do not fprget to leave enough free time for the lively nightlife of Pretoria. Points of interest that you should keep in mind in Pretoria are mainly in the central part of the city. A good start is Church Square - the focal point of the administrative capital of South Africa. The residence of President Paul Kruger that has been turned into a museum and national monument also is worth a visit. Another site is Union Buildings - an architectural masterpiece sitting on the southern slopes of Roberts Heights and housing the President's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Another major attraction is the Zoological garden. Since its inception in 1899 it has grown to such an extent that today it enjoys world-wide recognition. Not only is it the largest zoo in South Africa but one of the ten best in the world. More that one million people visit it every year. Pretoria is a city with many academic institutions, the University of Pretoria - the largest in South Africa, world renown Onderstepoort Vetinerary Research Station; UNISA - University of South Africa one of the first in the world corrsepondence university, just to name a few. Interesting site is and the CSIR Museum where the skull of Homo Erectus is housed. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in the city of Pretoria, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!