Union Buildings in Pretoria
As one of the best known architectural accomplishments of Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings in Pretoria is still a popular tourist attraction apart from its practical application in modern day South African politics. Although the Union Building is not open to the public, you can visit the gardens surrounding the President’s offices. The well manicured gardens surrounding the building and the impressive steps leading up to the entrance of the Union Buildings provide the perfect backdrop for memorable pictures.
History of the Union Buildings
The Union Buildings which were completed in 1913 are made of sandstone. The total length is 285 meters and two wings spread out as a symbol of the meeting of English and Afrikaans cultures. This is to symbolize the unity which was accomplished after the Anglo Boer War.
The ground where the Union Buildings have been erected, originally belonged to Andries Francois Du Toit. He sold his land which was called Arcadia, to Stephanus Jacobus Meintjies, from where the hill became Meintjieskop. Situated on the slopes of the hill is the Meintjieskop Guest House 600m from the Union Building.
Several monuments are still to be found in the terrace like garden including that of a statute of Gnl. Louis Botha who was the first South African President. Another memorial braces the garden, that of Delville Wood War Memorial, erected in memory of South African soldiers who died during World War I. It also features a memorial plaque in honor of those who lost their lives during the Korean War.
The historical inauguration of President Nelson Mandela took place infront of these buildings.
Union Building Directions
The impressive Union Buildings are located at the Corner of Church and Leyds Streets in Arcadia and are extremely close to the Meintjieskop Guest House.
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