This is the official seat of the South African government. Located at the highest point in Pretoria at the top of Meintjieskop, close to historic Church Square and the Voortrekker Mounument. The Union Buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker.

The Union Buildings have been the backdrop for some of the country’s most pivotal moments such as the 20 000 strong march on August 9, 1956, led by South African women of all races protesting against the apartheid pass laws. For international visitors this iconic building is most memorable as the place where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated in 1994 as the first democratically elected leader of South Africa, a moment which was screened live on television to millions of viewers across the world.

Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the buildings themselves, but visitors are free to explore the terraced gardens that look out over the city. The gardens are a particularly popular place for family picnics or to have wedding photos taken and also often function as the venue for major concerts and festivals.

During the day there are arts and crafts for sale next to the parking area and one might even spot a local artists busy sketching pictures of their surroundings.

The public spaces are open until late in the evening and the parking area and grounds are well patrolled by police. At night many people come here by car for a quick stop to enjoy the view of city’s night lights.

It’s not only tourists who visit this landmark; this beautiful attraction equally loved by the locals and residents of Pretoria. Couples take long romantic walks and families have picnics while bureaucrats and diplomats can be spotted taking a quick breather and taking a photo before rushing back to a meeting.

In the afternoons and evenings, joggers can be seen circumnavigating the public grounds while students come here for an open-air gym session or to play some rugby, while many locals just come here to take an afternoon nap.

Within the gardens you’ll find various monuments to important historic South African figures including a monument of General Louis Botha riding his horse and an imposing nine metre tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela which was unveiled here just after his death in 2013.