Bloemfontein, meaning 'fountain of flowers' in both Dutch and Afrikaans, is the capital city of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa. It is affectionately known as the 'city of roses' owing to the abundance of roses and the famous rose festival which is held here annually. The city's other name Mangaung, means 'place of cheetahs' in Sesotho, one of South Africa's eleven official languages.
The city is dotted with many museums and monuments depicting the rich history of South Africa and more prominently, the city's rich military history. J.R.R Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was born here and describes his first memory as it being very hot!
Many famous South Africans were born here too, the likes of Leon Schuster, Hansie Cronje, Ryk Neethling and Zola Budd.
- Naval Hill Planetarium
- Franklin Game Reserve
- Loch Logan waterfront
- Fragrance Garden for the Blind
- Oliewenhout Art museum and gallery
- Anglo Boer museum
Bloemfontein was founded by the British Army Officer Henry Warden in 1846 as a British outpost owing to the absence of horse sickness and its location. It started as a small farm owned by Johannes Brits who sold it to Henry Warden for 37.10 pounds initially, another installment of 50 pounds and a farm in Harrismith.
There are many theories regarding the origin of name, some more eccentric than others.
Some say that Bloem the ox was eaten by a lion near a fountain and others tribute the name to Jan Bloem, a Koran Khoi Khoi leader, who lived in the area.
