10 Historical Landmarks to See in South Africa

Kimberley was put on the mining map when it became clear, in the late 1860s, that the area is rich in diamonds. Thousands of diggers flocked to the site in 1871, resulting in the creation of the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. This led to the aptly named Big Hole and its surrounding buildings that represent the remains of the diamond rush. Interestingly, after the mining operations were over The Big Hole became of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of South Africa.

One of the oldest buildings in South Africa, Castle of Good Hope, completed in 1666, was the hub of political and military activity in the country. The Castle is to this day, one of the best examples of 17th-century Dutch East India Company architecture in the world. Originally located on the coastline of Table Bay, following reclamation it is now located within a short distance of the Central Business District.

The Battle of Isandlwana took place on January 22, 1879, when approximately 20,000 Zulu warriors, under King Cetshwayo’s command, successfully ambushed and defeated a British camp. This was a major, yet unexpected, moment in the history of the Zulu nation. This was the first involvement in the Anglo-Zulu War and remains the greatest success in Zulu nations’s Military History.

Nelson Mandela’s arrest occurred on August 5, 1962, at this spot in KwaZulu-Natal after which The Rivonia Treason Trial followed. Its infamous adjudication sentenced Mandela to 27 years in prison, until his release on February 11, 1990. To mark the 50th Anniversary, in 2012, a steel sculpture was placed in the site comprised of 50 steel columns that are between 6-9.5 metres in heigh and span across a width of almost 30 metres.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned at Robben Island for 18 of his sentenced 27 years. The original jail building still remains and three tours are conducted daily, some by former political prisoners. Robben Island has been the home of many prisoners since the 17th Century and the Robben Island Museum preserves it as a national estate and World Heritage Site.

The Afrikaans Language Monument (Afrikaanse Taal Monument) was opened on October 10, 1975, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa, separate from Dutch. It is more of a sculptural than architectural monument, erected by the Paarlites to commemorate the contribution of the First Language Movement. The monument symbolises the different languages that formed Afrikaans and strives to create respect for and appreciation for Afrikaans.

The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Sterkfontein Caves, and could very well be the birthplace of mankind as we know it. This famous excavation site is where an approximately 3.5 million-year-old hominid fossil, Australopithecus Africanus, (‘Mrs. Ples’), was found in 1947. South Africa holds fossils from some of the earliest known dinosaurs, as well as some of the earliest known life forms on earth. This significant history can be explored at The Cradle of Humankind.

The Huguenots immigrated to South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries and had a major impact on traditional Afrikaans culture in both successful and not so successful ways. This monument, inaugurated in 1948, is dedicated to commemorating this influence and the history of the Afrikaner nation. The monument, build of Paarl granite and featuring Calvinia slate paving stones represents the concept of women standing on top of the world.

The Union Buildings in Pretoria, found on Government avenue and designed by neo-classical star architect Sir Herbert Baker, is the official seat of the South African government and contains the president’s office. Built at the highest point of South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria, the Union Buildings are a modern day acropolis. Although the buildings themselves are not open to the public, the complex boasts beautiful surrounding gardens, rolling lawns and jaw-dropping panoramic views over the city. The overall design of the building was inspired by neo-classic architecture of the Italian Renaissance, English Renaissance and elements of Cape Dutch detail.

The Voortrekker Monument, situated in a Pretoria nature reserve, won the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice award for 2016. The granite edifice, which opened in 1949, honours the pioneer history of South Africa, as well as that of Afrikaners, and boasts the world’s longest historical marble frieze. The monument symbolises and honours the Dutch trekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854 and embarked on a treacherous journey. It is comprised of 27 marble friezes that represent the history of the Great Trek.