About Burger Street Jail

The Burger Street Jail was closed in 1989 and sections of the jail are open today for tours. The building is now run by Project Gateway, a Christian self-help project, and features a craft shop and coffee shop.

Did you know? The Old Prison in Burger Street in Pietermaritzburg offers guided tours of the facility (booking is required). There is a small cost for the guided tour, but well worth it.

The original jail was built in 1862, replacing the Voortrekker jail on market square in Pietermaritzburg. It is one of the oldest government buildings and is unique because of its red brick and sandstone construction. The jail housed some 1800 prisoners, many of whom were awaiting trial.

A somewhat more gory feature is its gallows, with each block housing its own set. Those of E block were apparently used for public executions. Some of the more recent inhabitants included ANC leaders Harry Gwala and Archie Gumede, while King Dinuzulu was incarcerated at Burger Street after the Bhambatha uprising of 1906.

The intention of Project Gateway is to uplift and empower local communities, with the coffee shop providing an opportunity to train in hospitality.

Need to Know

Where4 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

WhenPlease phone to enquire.

Telephone+27 (0)33 845-0400

OvernightStay in Pietermaritzburg Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Pietermaritzburg

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Burger Street Jail

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Pietermaritzburg Accommodation

Pietermaritzburg as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Pietermaritzburg property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.