Union Buildings, Pretoria

Gauteng Tourist Attractions

Union Buildings, Pretoria

The Union Buildings, Pretoria
The Union Buildings, Pretoria

The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa. The grand Union buildings sit on Meintjies Kop and overlook the city of Pretoria.

The Union Buildings were built from light sandstone and were designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker in the English monumental style. The Buildings are over 275 m long and boast a semi-circular shape, with the two wings at the sides. This serves to represent the union of a formerly divided people. The east and west wings represent two languages, namely English and Afrikaans. The Union Buildings are considered by many to be the architect's greatest achievement and a South African architectural masterpiece. The cornerstone was laid in November 1910. Requiring over 1,265 workers over 3 years to build, the structure was completed in 1913.

Especially notable are the terraced gardens surrounding the Union buildings which were planted exclusively with indigenous plants as well as the 9 000 seat amphitheatre. Within the grounds are various monuments and statues. The Union Buildings and its spectacular gardens are a "must see" when visiting Pretoria.

Union Buildings

Stay Overnight

For accommodation prior to or after your visit to the famous Union Buildings, please visit Arcadia Accommodation, Hatfield Accommodation and Clydesdale accommodation. For accommodation in other suburbs in Pretoria, see Pretoria Accommodation or Pretoria Hotels. If you are interested in taking a guided tour of Pretoria which will include visits to other significant attractions see Pretoria Tours or view the layout of the city of Pretoria by viewing the Pretoria Map.

Union Buildings

Attractions / Activities nearby

Freedom Park

The Freedom Park opened its doors in December 2007. It is a space where South Africans and visitors to the country can reflect on the past, and is an inspiration for the future. It is regarded as one of the most ambitious heritage projects the government has invested in; an attempt to encapsulate the ... more information

Voortrekker Monument

The huge monolith that is the Voortrekker monument stands as a major landmark on a low hill, just outside Tshwane (as Pretoria is now called). Depending on who you are, the monument that has some of the finest sculpture work in the country is either a reminder of apartheid or an important memorial for ... more information

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Visiting Union Buildings?
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