Stretch out in the shade of a jacaranda tree and admire Pretoria’s landmark buildings in the centrally located Church Square. Town history is on display in the historical sculptures and structures that surround this plaza’s wide lawns.
Walk to the north edge of the square to see the dual bell towers of the Palace of Justice. Here, in the 1960s, Nelson Mandela was convicted to life in prison for terrorism. After serving 27 years in jail, he became president of South Africa and an international icon.
Other important buildings in the area include the Ou Raadsaal (Old Government) building, where the parliament of the South African Republic once met. Admire the many pillars of its brown neoclassical façade. Next door, find the Ou Nederlandsche Bank Building, which has a tourist information office inside.
Originally called Market Square, Church Square started out as a marketplace for farmers. Its name was changed with the construction of a mud-walled church at the center of the square. The church burned down in 1882 and another was constructed and eventually demolished. Today, Church Square is a flat, open expanse that affords clear views of the buildings that surround it.
Go to the center of the square to admire the statue of South African Republic president Paul “Uncle Paul” Kruger, who led the resistance against the British in the Second Boer War. The bronze Kruger statue stands proudly above the square with a tall top hat. Four statues of Boers sit around him.
Café Riche, on the west side of Church Square, is one of Pretoria’s oldest restaurants. Visit on the last Friday of the month for FilosofieKafee (Philosophy Coffee), which features speakers and discussions on philosophical topics.
Arrive at the square on a Wednesday morning to view a weekly procession. Members of the National Ceremonial Guard march into the square and raise the national and municipal flags.
Church Square is located in the center of Pretoria and is served by a bus, which stops on the park’s west side. Free parking is available around the square.
