Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria

Afrikaans name: Voortrekkermonument

Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria

Photo © Volker Haak - Fotolia.com

Gauteng

The Voortrekker Monument commemorates the Voortrekkers that left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It is located just south of Pretoria on a hill and is surrounded by a small nature reserve.

The monument was designed by Gerard Moerdijk and it was inaugurated on the 16th December 1949 by Prime Minister D.F. Malan.

The Voortrekker Monument is 40 metres high and has a base of 40 metres by 40 metres.

The monument features many interesting things including a historical freeze, statues of the Voortrekkers, the Cenotaph, an amphitheatre, a laager of 64 ox-wagons made out of granite and much more.

The small nature reserve contains antelope such as Impala, Springbok, Blesbok, Burchell's Zebras and Mountain Reedbuck. While visiting the monument it is worthwhile visiting Fort Schanskop.

Have you been to the monument? What did you think of it?

Above - Plaques in the garden

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - The lowest level inside the monument

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Statue of Andries Pretorius

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Statue of Piet Retief

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - The Woman and Children Statue

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng - Author: Etienne Marais and Faansie Peacock - Published: 2008 - Page: 62

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 239

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 117

Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Published: 2015 - Page: 143

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 115

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 39

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 275

Museum Explorer SA - Voortrekker Monument

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