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Church Square

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Historical site
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Church Square (South Africa)

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Church Square is the historic and geographic center of Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital. Originally established as a marketplace and the site of the city's first church in 1854, the square rapidly evolved into the political heart of the Boer Republic. At its center stands the prominent bronze statue of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic, flanked by four Boer soldiers. Surrounding the square are some of the nation's most significant historical buildings, including the Palace of Justice, where the landmark Rivonia Trial against Nelson Mandela took place in 1963. Other notable structures include the Old Raadsaal, the former parliament building, and the General Post Office. Today, the square is a protected national heritage site, attracting visitors who appreciate its well-preserved Victorian and Wilhelminian architecture. Despite surrounding modernization, Church Square remains a poignant reminder of South Africa's complex political past.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242423191613131620232424
Rain mm11575663812525134879112

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Church Square in Pretoria is a public square, freely accessible at any time. The surrounding buildings can be viewed from outside.
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Typical hours
The square is open 24/7 as it is a public space. Visiting the adjacent museums and buildings has set opening hours.
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Photography
Photography in the square and of the buildings is unrestricted. Morning light is best for capturing the historic architecture.
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Time needed
A walk around the square and buildings takes about 30 minutes. Those wanting to see interiors should allow an hour.
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Combine with
Church Square is in Pretoria's historic center, near the Palace of Justice and the Ou Museum. Combining them makes for a good historical walk.
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Getting there
The square is central and well reachable by public transport or car. Parking garages are available nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the square early morning to enjoy peace and the best light for photos. It often gets busy later.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.74610, 28.18780

Facts

  • The square was established in 1854, originally centered around the city's first church.
  • The bronze statue of Paul Kruger was inaugurated in its current central position in 1954.
  • The Palace of Justice was the venue for the 1963-1964 Rivonia Trial of Nelson Mandela.
  • The Old Raadsaal was completed in 1891 and served as the Boer government's parliament.
  • The square was originally known as Market Square before the first church was built.
  • The General Post Office building on the western side was completed in 1910.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Paul Kruger StatuePaul Kruger Statue<1 km · WExplore →
Union BuildingsUnion Buildings2 km · EExplore →
Voortrekker MonumentVoortrekker Monument4 km · SExplore →
Pioneer Museum PretoriaPioneer Museum Pretoria6 km · EExplore →
Cheetah OutreachCheetah Outreach7 km · SWExplore →
Ford Silverton PlantFord Silverton Plant14 km · EExplore →
BMW Rosslyn PlantBMW Rosslyn Plant17 km · NWExplore →
Croc City Crocodile ParkCroc City Crocodile Park27 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Church Square (2)

Black necked swan📍 landmark

The black-necked swan exhibit near Church Square features a chance to observe these elegant South American waterfowl with their distinctive ebony necks.

Hog Deer📍 landmark

The hog deer habitat near Church Square allows visitors to observe these small, stocky Asian deer known for their pig-like running style.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Church Square?
The historic center of Pretoria with significant buildings.
Can I explore the square on foot?
Yes, the square is compact and easily explored on foot.
Are there cafes there?
Yes, there are many options in the surrounding streets.
When should I avoid the square?
At night it is wise to be vigilant; during the day it is busy.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the historic buildings are popular photo subjects.
Church Square: where is it located?
Church Square is located in South Africa.
Church Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Black necked swan, Hog Deer.
Church Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Church Square: why is it worth visiting?
Church Square is the historic and geographic center of Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Johannesburg — Church Square (South Africa)
Johannesburg
The country's largest city emerged during a gold rush and is today the economic hub of Africa.
Pretoria — Church Square (South Africa)
Pretoria
The executive capital of the country is famous for the thousands of Jacaranda trees that bloom purple in spring.

History & landmarks

Ponte City — Church Square (South Africa)
Ponte City
A cylindrical skyscraper in Johannesburg and the tallest residential building in Africa.
Pretoria City Hall — Church Square (South Africa)
Pretoria City Hall
A monumental historical building in Pretoria featuring a large clock tower and 32 bells.
Soweto — Church Square (South Africa)
Soweto
A historic township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Soweto is the vibrant heart of South African history and culture.
Paul Kruger Statue — Church Square (South Africa)
Paul Kruger Statue
A prominent bronze statue of Paul Kruger, a former President of the South African Republic, on Church Square in Pretoria.
Nizamiye Mosque — Church Square (South Africa)
Nizamiye Mosque
The largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring classical Ottoman architecture in Midrand.
The Leonardo — Church Square (South Africa)
The Leonardo
A luxury mixed-use skyscraper located in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Alice Lane Towers — Church Square (South Africa)
Alice Lane Towers
Modern, curved twin towers that have become an icon of the Sandton business district.
Hillbrow Tower — Church Square (South Africa)
Hillbrow Tower
A tall telecommunications tower dominating the skyline of Johannesburg.

More places

Union Buildings — Church Square (South Africa)
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and are an iconic landmark in Pretoria designed by Sir Herbert…
Voortrekker Monument — Church Square (South Africa)
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is a massive granite structure in Pretoria commemorating the Boer pioneers who left the Cape Colony.
Ford Silverton Plant — Church Square (South Africa)
Ford Silverton Plant
A highly advanced automotive assembly plant specializing in the production of the Ford Ranger.
BMW Rosslyn Plant — Church Square (South Africa)
BMW Rosslyn Plant
The first BMW manufacturing facility built outside of Germany, producing vehicles for local and export markets.
Cullinan Diamond Mine — Church Square (South Africa)
Cullinan Diamond Mine
Famous for producing the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found.
Cradle of Humankind — Church Square (South Africa)
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage site housing some of the oldest hominid fossils in the world.
Constitution Hill — Church Square (South Africa)
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg is a former prison complex that is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Sterkfontein Caves — Church Square (South Africa)
Sterkfontein Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, are globally renowned for their rich fossil finds, particularly of early hominids.