Just outside the city centre of Pretoria, perched on a hill, you’ll find the Voortrekker Monument. On a fairly big area with a restaurant, souvenir shop, museums, cafe, and someΒ animals roaming the grounds, like the zebras we spotted on the way. The monument itself is huge, and I guess that’s what’s most impressive about it… There’s not a lot inside the construction, but you very much get the feeling this is Afrikaaner holy ground. You can walk or take the elevator to the top, where you get views of the surrounding area and Pretoria in the distance. You can climb inside stairs to get even higher, up below the dome ceiling, toΒ have a look of the monument inside down below, or have a closer look at the hole through which the sun shines on the red granite block on the ground floor,Β symbolising an empty tomb, on December 16 each year. In the basement you’ll find tapestries depicting Great Trek migration scenes.
Being used to travelling with Uber by now, in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, it turned out it was more of a problem here. Uber drivers will not pick you up at the Gautrain station as they are at “war” with the taxi drivers. This meant I had to take a taxi to the Vortrekker Monument, but going back (got dropped off at Church Square), it was not a problem. Just certain areas the taxi drivers are claiming as their territories.
Website: vtm.org.za
What a beautiful monument, and incredible view. We don’t know very much about Voortrekker history, but you’ve inspired us to learn more. Thanks for that, and for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
I didn’t know much about South African history either, so I got a bit curious as well π
It look s like quite a trek up to the monument. Also, I would have liked to see the sun shining through the hole on the granite block symbolizing the empty tomb. What is the story behind the empty tomb?
It was not a very long climb. I think it’s the way I shot the pic π The empty tomb is the symbolic resting place for the Voortrekkers who died during the Great Trek.
The monument looks so impressive! IΒ΄d love to see the views with my eyes! Always try using Uber whenever I can, but I’ve also come across their war with taxi drivers in some places around the world #TheWeeklyPostcard
It is pretty huge :), considering there’s not much inside π I’ve come to love Uber!!
Nice, I bet it’s a great view from there? Did you take the lift or climb the stairs? #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, of the surrounding park. The city is a bit far away, but you could still see it fine. I love taking the stairs, so stairs up and elevator down π
This monument looks very fascinating! I love the architectural style! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Yes, the architecture of it is quite nice. Otherwise I wasn’t too impressed, but then again I am not very knowledge about South African and Voortrekker history. Got a little insight though π
Love all your pictures! Looks like a great place to visit π #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you! I didn’t find it too exciting π