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Old Parliament Building

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Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)

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The Old Parliament Building in Harare is one of Zimbabwe's most historically significant structures and served as the center of legislation for nearly a century. Located on Nelson Mandela Avenue, the building was originally constructed in 1895 as a post office and telegraph station before being converted for parliamentary purposes. Its architecture is a blend of Victorian and colonial elements, characterized by white facades and elegant window fronts. Crucial political debates were held here, shaping the transition from Rhodesia to independent Zimbabwe. With the completion of the new, larger Parliament building in Mount Hampden, it lost its primary function but remains a national monument. It symbolizes the country's parliamentary journey from early settler days to modern democracy. Today, the building often serves as a museum or for ceremonial government purposes.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191614141620222322
Rain mm18013394317319252594195

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic building stands in central Harare and can be viewed from the outside. The interior is typically not open to the public, as it is not consistently accessible for visitors.
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Typical hours
As a former parliament building, there are no set visiting hours for the public. Exterior viewing is possible at any time, but inquire locally if special guided tours are offered.
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Photography
Photographing the exterior façade is allowed anytime without restrictions. For interior shots, you would need special permission if access is granted.
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Time needed
Allow around 15 to 30 minutes for an exterior walk around the building. If a guided tour is available, the visit may extend to about one hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby squares and streets of Harare. Close by are Africa Unity Square and other colonial-era buildings.
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Getting there
The building is located centrally in Harare and is easily reachable on foot or by taxi. Public buses stop nearby, though exact routes vary.
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Insider tip
Ask locals if a tour is being offered - sometimes the guards open the doors for interested visitors. Visit early in the morning for the best photo light.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.82610, 31.05220

Facts

  • The building was originally commissioned as a post office in 1895.
  • It served as the seat of the Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia from 1899.
  • The Parliament of Zimbabwe met here until the year 2023.
  • The facade is a prominent example of colonial Victorian architecture.
  • It is located directly opposite Africa Unity Square.
  • The building houses a gallery featuring portraits of former Speakers of Parliament.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

High Court of ZimbabweHigh Court of Zimbabwe<1 km · SExplore →
The KopjeThe Kopje2 km · SExplore →
Delta Beverages Harare BreweryDelta Beverages Harare Brewery2 km · WExplore →
Harare Inland PortHarare Inland Port3 km · NWExplore →
Pioneer Cemetery HararePioneer Cemetery Harare3 km · SWExplore →
National Heroes AcreNational Heroes Acre8 km · SExplore →
Sam Levy's VillageSam Levy's Village8 km · NEExplore →
Willowvale Motor IndustriesWillowvale Motor Industries9 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 Old Parliament Building (7)

National Gallery of Zimbabwe🏛 museum

National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, featuring contemporary art and cultural exhibitions.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:00

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, a church in Harare, Zimbabwe.

🕒 Su 07:00-07:45, 08:00-09:45, 10:00-11:15, 11:30-13:00,17:30-

AIRFORCE

AIRFORCE in Harare, an attraction related to aviation.

Castle Corner

Castle Corner in Harare, a viewpoint overlooking the area.

Toys Town

Toys Town in Harare, a place for toys and entertainment.

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences🏛 museum

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, displays human evolutionary history.

Montague Shops

Montague Shops in Harare, a shopping area with various stores.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Old Parliament building?
A historic building that previously housed the parliament.
Can it be visited today?
It is not a regular museum; visits are restricted.
Why is it historically important?
It was the scene of important political decisions.
Can one take photos?
From the outside it is usually fine.
Is it near other sights?
Yes, it is centrally located in the historic city centre.
Old Parliament Building: where is it located?
Old Parliament Building is located in Zimbabwe.
Old Parliament Building: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, AIRFORCE.
Old Parliament Building: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Old Parliament Building: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Parliament Building in Harare is one of Zimbabwe's most historically significant structures and served as the center of legislation for nearly a century.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Harare — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Harare
Harare is the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, serving as the country's primary political, economic, and cultural hub.
Chitungwiza — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Chitungwiza
Chitungwiza is a large, rapidly growing dormitory town located just south of Harare.
Epworth — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Epworth
Epworth is a high-density residential area on the southeastern outskirts of Harare, famous for its iconic balancing rock formations.

History & landmarks

Harare City Library — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Harare City Library
An important cultural and architectural landmark in the Civic Centre of Harare.
Joina City — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Joina City
A modern, multi-purpose building complex in the heart of Harare.
High Court of Zimbabwe — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
High Court of Zimbabwe
The impressive courthouse in Harare where major legal decisions are made.
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints
The Anglican cathedral in Harare, a significant religious and architectural landmark in the city.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower
One of the most prominent high-rise buildings in Harare, housing the national central bank.
Mukwati Building — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Mukwati Building
A distinctive government building in Harare housing various ministries.
Eastgate Centre — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Eastgate Centre
A shopping and office building famous for its eco-friendly architecture inspired by termite mounds.
🗺️
Runhare House
An iconic building in Harare that served for a long time as the headquarters of the Post and Telecommunications Corporation.

Nature

Lake Chivero — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Lake Chivero
A reservoir near Harare.
Lake McIlwaine — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Lake McIlwaine
Alternative name for Lake Chivero.
Manyame River — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Manyame River
A river that supplies water to the capital, Harare.

More places

Mbuya Nehanda Statue — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Mbuya Nehanda Statue
A monument to the medium Mbuya Nehanda, who led the resistance against colonization.
Harare Botanical Gardens — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Harare Botanical Gardens
A large botanical garden in Harare with many native plants.
The Kopje — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
The Kopje
A hill where Fort Salisbury was founded in 1890, the origin of Harare.
🗺️
Delta Beverages Harare Brewery
The largest brewing facility in Zimbabwe, producing popular lagers and soft drinks.
Harare Inland Port — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Harare Inland Port
The central container depot handling bulk imports and exports for the capital.
Pioneer Cemetery Harare — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Pioneer Cemetery Harare
Resting place of early colonial settlers and soldiers from the 19th century.
National Heroes Acre — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
National Heroes Acre
A monumental burial ground and shrine honoring those who died in the liberation war.
Willowvale Motor Industries — Old Parliament Building (Zimbabwe)
Willowvale Motor Industries
The premier vehicle assembly plant in Zimbabwe, assembling various international brands.