Voortrekker Monument
Voortrekker Monument
Voortrekker Monument (Eeufees Road, Pretoria) – a 37-minute drive north of Johannesburg (via R21) is Pretoria, South Africa’s capital. This huge granite monument is located on one of the city’s hilltops, and was built in commemoration of the Afrikaaner “voortrekkers” who migrated from Cape Province into this region (long known as the Transvaal) between 1835 and 1854 (known in history books as “the Great Trek”).Voortrekker Monument (Eeufees Road, Pretoria) – a 37-minute drive north of Johannesburg (via R21) is Pretoria, South Africa’s capital. This huge granite monument is located on one of the city’s hilltops, and was built in commemoration of the Afrikaaner “voortrekkers” who migrated from Cape Province into this region (long known as the Transvaal) between 1835 and 1854 (known in history books as “the Great Trek”).
Visitors entering the Monument through the great teak front doors are greeted by an incredible sight: a massive high domed hall, 25x25x41 meters, with marble floors and an impressive marble frieze (92 meters long and 2,3 meters high), depicting historical scenes from the Great Trek. Four huge arched windows made from yellow Belgian glass flank the hall and give the impression that the area is a revered place, like a temple.
Entrance to site: • Adult: R90, Students & Children: R45, • Buses: R 100• Mini-buses: R60• Picnic area & site visits only: R50• Free for “Friends of the Monument”Facilities are all wheel chair accessible.
Visiting Hours (Monday to Sunday)• 1 May – 31 Aug: 8 am – 5 pm• 1 Sep – 30 April: 8 am – 6 pm• The Monument will be closed on 25 DecemberThis site is far more than a monument. In keeping with the builders’ wish to highlight Afrikaaner settlement in this part of South Africa during the 19th century, various historical items and sites can readily be found here, such as Fort Schanskop (built in 1897, just before the Anglo-Boer War, and currently houses a museum which covers that conflict), a communion wagon (used to transport settlers), a fiberglass statue of voortrekker scout Danie Theron, a Zulu hut (that acts as a replica of these warriors’ housing during the 19th century), and a Wall of Remembrance (in honor of members of the South African Defence Force/SADF who lost their lives serving the country – similar to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, USA).
There’s also the Heritage Centre, which consists of a three-story building that contains museum stores, workshops, archives, a library and a research center as well as several other related facilities such as offices, and an auditorium. See the Monument’s website for more details: www.vtm.org.za