Pretoria is the capital of which country. What's the best way to get to Pretoria?

Capital of South Africa, adm. c. Prov. Transvaal. The city was founded in 1855 by Boer settlers and named Pretoria in honor of Martinus Pretorius (Pretorius, 1819 1901), the first president of the Transvaal Republic. Geographical names world: Toponymic... ... Geographical encyclopedia

- (Latin praetorium, from praetor praetor). The dwelling of the praetor, the governor of the province; the site of the official presence of Roman rulers in Jerusalem. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. PRETORIA lat. praetorium… Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

- (Greek praitorion; lat. praetorium), official residence of Rome. governor, and the building in which P. was located, at the same time. also served as a barracks (Matthew 27:27; Mark 15:16). In Jerusalem P. Pilate interrogated Jesus. Perhaps in P.’s building there was also... ... Brockhaus Biblical Encyclopedia

Exist., number of synonyms: 2 city (2765) capital (274) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Dictionary of synonyms

Pretoria- 1) Latin word (proe torium). Originally it meant the "commander's tent" in the Roman camp, and later (not to mention other meanings) came to mean the palace in which the governor of the province lived and where he held court. In New... ... Dictionary of Biblical Names

PRETORIA- SOUTH AFRICA Pretoria, capital South Africa(seat of executive power), located on the Apis River in the province of Gauteng, sixty kilometers north of Johannesburg. The city's population is 1,073,000 inhabitants. Pretoria... ...Cities and countries

Pretoria- Pretoria. Schematic plan: 1. National Historical and Cultural Museum and Open Air Museum, 2. P. Kruger House Museum, 3. Palace of Justice, 4. Post Office, 5. Kirk Plats Square, 6. Municipal Library, 7. Anglican Cathedral, 8. City Hall,... ... Encyclopedic reference"Africa"

- (Pretoria) capital of South African Republic and the administrative center of the Transvaal province. It is located in the north-eastern part of the country, at an altitude of 1738 m, on both banks of the non-navigable Apis River. An important transport hub (railway and... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Table. former Republic of South Africa (see), now Ch. mountains British colony of Transvaal. 21161 inhabitants (1904), belong to the white race; museum, gymnasiums, normal school, teachers' seminary, mining academy. P. main. in 1850 by the Boers and... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

- (Matt.27:27, Mat.15:16, etc.). By the praetorium in Jerusalem during the time of Pilate one should understand the dwelling and main residence of Pilate. Usually the rulers of Judea lived not in Jerusalem, but in Caesarea; but on well-known major holidays, when... Bible. Dilapidated and New Testaments. Synodal translation. Biblical encyclopedia arch. Nikifor.

It is located in the northeastern part of the country on the banks of the Apis River.

Peculiarities

Unlike Cape Town, which has the status of the country's legislative capital, this city acts as the administrative capital. The city fully meets the requirements of a modern metropolis, boasting huge skyscrapers, green spaces, parks, numerous fountains, shopping malls, sports and entertainment centers. The lush vegetation here contrasts sharply with modern buildings made of glass and concrete, and the outskirts of the city, replete with completely unsightly slums, are absolutely at odds with the colorful appearance of the capital of South Africa.

General information

Pretoria covers an area of ​​1644 square meters. km. The population is almost 2.4 million people. Time zone UTC+2.

A brief excursion into history

Pretoria was founded by South African politician Pretorius Martinus Wessel in 1855. During the time that has passed since its foundation, the capital has turned into the most important economic and financial center, with great value in the life of the republic.

Climate

As in many South African cities, Pretoria is dominated by subtropical climate with long hot summers and short winters. From December to March it often rains here, and average temperature air fluctuates around +30 degrees. From May to August, the thermometer drops to +20, and at night it can reach zero. From September the temperature gradually increases. Probably none of the current residents of the city have ever seen snow.

How to get there

There are no flights from Moscow to Pretoria, but there are many connecting flights to Johannesburg, from which Pretoria is about an hour's drive by transport. Travel time from Moscow to Johannesburg takes 14-18 hours, depending on the connection.

Transport

The main type of urban transport is taxi. True, there is one small feature here. It is not customary to vote on the roads in Pretoria. At the same time, to rent a car, which in itself is unsafe, given the methods and methods of driving in Africa, you must be at least 23 years old and have an international driving license. Moreover, if in many countries of the dark continent they often turn a blind eye to formalities, here the letter of the law is strictly followed.

Attractions and entertainment

IN central regions concentrated historical monuments and important architectural objects. There are several interesting natural attractions in the vicinity of Pretoria, including Kruger National Park, where animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and antelopes live, which can be seen in natural environment habitat. For guests of the capital, modern hotels have been built in the city to suit every taste.

Among the whole scattering interesting places worthy of attention are worth highlighting house museum former President of the country Paul Kruger, Union Building, Forttrekker monument And Transvaal Museum. But they deserve special tourist attention Pretoria forts, built shortly before the start of the second Boer War. There are four in total: Schanskop, Wonderboompoort, Klapperkop And Daspoortrand. The first three of them have a pentagonal outline and were intended to attack the enemy in any direction. In addition, they were perfectly protected, due to the fact that they were designed by German specialists, experienced in such matters. As for the Daspoortrand fort, it has six corners and is large in size. It is curious that despite the enormous financial costs, defensive fortifications were never involved in military operations during the entire period of their existence. But they became an excellent demonstration attraction for tourists, who regularly and with great interest look at the cast figures of soldiers defending the garrison. The most striking natural attraction of Pretoria is the magnificent botanical garden, founded in the mid-40s of the last century and covering an area of ​​76 hectares. Here you can see rare plants, growing in various regions of South Africa, and also visit the aquarium and terrarium.

The most beautiful time period during the year in the capital of the country is the flowering period exotic plant called Jacaranda, brought here by colonists in the 19th century. They bloom bright purple from October to November, giving the city streets an unusual festive touch. The longest street in the world, Church Street, is also located in Pretoria. It stretches across the entire city and has such outstanding architectural creations as Anglican Cathedral, Palace of Justice And Mint. At the intersection of one of the streets perpendicular to Church Street stands the tall city tower, which now houses the National Bank. In the eastern part of Pretoria there are numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues traditional for a metropolis of this level. The city pays great attention to the environment. You won’t find so many green parks even in southern European capitals. Vening Park, Princes Park And Centurion–Center with your water organ, they delight you every day bright colors residents and guests of the metropolis. Fans of marvelous natural landscapes and exotic animals have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable spectacle by visiting National Zoological Garden. Of considerable interest to inquisitive tourists is Museum Window of Africa, where exhibitions are displayed telling about the history of the South African state, its traditions, arts and crafts. Unique archaeological finds are presented.

Accommodation

Being the capital, Pretoria offers a wide selection of hotels, there are luxury five-star chain hotels, for example, Sheraton 5*, Holiday Inn (Southern Sun). There are also comfortable guest houses, which in price correspond to the 5* hotel category.

Kitchen

In local restaurants, you can often find exotic dishes made from shark fin or crocodile tail on the menu. The city's most famous restaurants are Cynthia's, The Hillside Tavern and Pachas. There are many franchised eateries throughout the city.

Shopping

Many shops and street markets sell large quantities of all sorts of African paraphernalia, including traditional African masks, silk dresses, carpets and bronze figurines. In Pretoria there is also shopping centers, where you can spend time shopping and entertainment: Menlyn Park with a rooftop theater, Brooklyn Mall with art galleries and cinemas, Kolonnade with an ice skating rink and others.

Precautions

Pretoria is one of the most vibrant and civilized cities in South Africa. However, when it comes to safety, caution should be exercised here too. Tourists are not recommended to visit crime-prone areas on the outskirts, or to walk the streets at night. Otherwise, this city seems like a great place to get acquainted with African culture and traditions of the black continent.

In the very center of the capital of the Republic of South Africa is Church Square. On the sides of this square rises a number of historically important buildings that have become business card Pretoria. In the center of the square there is a bronze statue of Paul Kruger, the President of South Africa, who led the country from 1883-1900.

Opposite the statue of P. Kruger is the Palace of Justice, built in 1898. Next to it is the old post office building, as well as three large banks. Another interesting building is Old Raadsaal, which formerly housed the government.

In the old days, an important attribute of the architectural ensemble of Church Square was a cast-iron fountain, donated to the city by businessman Sammy Marks. Today this fountain can be seen in the city zoo.

District Groenkloof

Not far from Fountain Valley at the southern entrance to Pretoria is the Groenkloof Wildlife Sanctuary. It was founded by President Paul Kruger on February 25, 1895. The main goal pursued by the reserve to this day is the conservation rare species Oribi antelope.

In 1910, part of the reserve was leased to create commercial plantations for timber supply and paper production. This caused irreparable damage to the local flora, and experts are currently carrying out restoration work.

In Groenkloof you can see a lot of wild animals such as giraffes, zebras, red hares, jackals, wildebeest and many others.

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Pretoria Zoo

Pretoria Zoo is one of the largest and most beautiful zoos in the world. Its huge territory covers an area of ​​sixty hectares. This zoo has an unimaginable number of different animals from all over the planet. 120 species of birds, 130 species of mammals, countless reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Due to the fact that the park is extremely huge, those who wish can rent a small but comfortable car for a reasonable fee. There are no fences or barriers in the zoo; visitors can pet pelicans or look at flamingos at a distance of a meter from themselves. This zoo also provides a unique opportunity to participate in the feeding of cheerful, mischievous seals, which starts at 11:00 and 15:00.

While in Pretoria, it is impossible not to see the famous Voortrekker monument, because it comes into view from almost anywhere in the city. The word "voortrekker" was used by local residents to describe the European settlers who began the massive development of South Africa in the mid-nineteenth century. The monument of the same name is dedicated to these brave people.

The opening of the Voortrekker monument took place in December 1949. Twelve years were spent on its construction. The monument has a square base of 40 by 40 meters. The height of the monument is still the same 40 meters. Behind its walls is the Hall of Heroes, on the bas-reliefs of which you can see all the turning points in the exploration of Africa.

There is a cenotaph in the center of the Hall of Heroes. The following words are engraved on it: “Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika” (“We are yours, South Africa”).

Union Building

The main building of Pretoria can safely be called the Union Buildings - the Union Building. Built in 1910, the Union Buildings is the largest government building in the world. According to the project architects, such an impressive size of the building should symbolize the power of the South African Republic and its unity.

The Union Buildings consists of two vast "wings" flanked by giant 55-meter towers. Two wings symbolize two state languages South Africa - Afrikaans and English. The wings are connected by a semicircular colonnade, designed in the style of the Greek Acropolis.

Union Buildings has a huge historical significance for South Africa. It was here in 1994 that President Nelson Mandela read his speech addressed to all African peoples.

Home of the first President of the Transvaal Republic Kruger House

One of the most visited tourist sites in Pretoria is the home of Paul Kruger - the last abode of the South African president before he left his native lands for exile in Europe. Finding Kruger's house is quite easy - it is located a few blocks from Church Square, in the center of which stands a bronze statue of the president.

An amazing fact - during the construction of the Kruger house, milk was used instead of water when hanging cement. In those days, water was truly worth its weight in gold, and wasting it on construction was blasphemy. For this reason, over time, the cement deteriorated and is in poor condition today.

The interior of Kruger's house recreates the era in which he lived famous president. Many of his belongings and mementos are kept here.

Melrose House Museum

The majestic Melrose House takes its name from the Swiss Abbey of Melrose. Its construction was completed in 1886. Three years later, the second Boer War began and Pretoria was captured by the British army led by Lord Roberts. Melrose House remained the headquarters of the British invaders until the end of the war. It was at Melrose House that the treaty that ended the military conflict was signed.

Today Melrose House is state museum. Its interior is in superb Victorian style and is lavishly decorated with colorful stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces and ceilings. Paintings by famous English artists are exhibited here. Valuable porcelain items are of particular interest.

The most popular attractions in Pretoria with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places in Pretoria on our website.

Pretoria, or Tshwane as it is also known, is the official capital. The seat of government is located here. The city itself, unlike and, is quite quiet and calm for a cozy family holiday.

Where is Pretoria?

Pretoria is the nominal capital and houses the country's government. The city is located almost in the center of South Africa, in the province of Gauteng.

Climate

Pretoria has a dry subtropical climate. Summers here are long, hot and rainy, but winters are dry and at the same time cool. In the hot season, the temperature on the thermometer reaches +29 degrees, in winter - 15 degrees above zero.

Attractions

What is most popular among tourists and locals is this. Today it is the most famous and profitable attraction of the republic. It is located on an area of ​​about 2 million hectares.

The park was founded back in 1898 former president Paul Kruger. The main goal the creation of such beauty was protection environment and endangered species of flora and fauna. Now the Kruger Park is divided into 14 eco-zones, each of which is inhabited by a huge number of inhabitants of the animal and plant world.

It is worth mentioning another famous landmark of Pretoria - the monument-chapel to the pilots who died during the Second World War. It is located next to the airport.

And three years ago, a 9-meter monument to the legendary Nelson Mandela was unveiled in the capital of South Africa, which is installed at the entrance to the government building. It was here that he gave his inaugural address after becoming the first black president in the history of the republic.

When visiting Pretoria, don't forget to check out the Pioneer Museum, which will introduce you not only to the history of the country, but also to the various traditions of South Africa. By the way, this museum is located in the open air.

It’s a good idea to visit the Museum fine arts, scientific and technological. And if diamonds are yours weak point, then don’t forget to visit the Premier diamond-bearing pipe; it was here that the world’s largest diamond was once mined, weighing up to 3 thousand carats.

Where to stay?

Pretoria is pretty big city, also the capital, so here you can find large number hotels of different star ratings. There are also elite ones - Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, The Orient Private Hotel, Illyria House and others. Eat wide network hostels and inexpensive hotels. You can also rent an apartment daily.

The city of Pretoria is the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa, one of the three capitals of the country (legislative, Bloemfontein judicial). The city is located on both banks of the non-navigable Apis River, in the province of Gauteng.
The city is located in a fertile valley with beautiful warm climate, protected from the winds by the Magaliesberg mountain range.

Story

Until the 17th century there were no permanent settlements here, since indigenous people led a nomadic lifestyle.
Only in the XVII-XVIII centuries. On the site of the future Pretoria, the Ndebele settled - the people of the Nguni group led by the leader Musi. The Ndebele still live east of Pretoria, around the African city of Bronkhorstspruit, having managed to preserve their own language.
Currently, the Ndebele language has become one of the official languages South Africa, and the patterns on the original painted Ndebele houses have become the country's national ornament.
During the Mfekane period - a time of troubles in southern Africa caused by the expansion of the Zulu empire under the leadership of Chief Chaka from 1815 to 1835, local tribes left their homes, fleeing from Chaka's warriors - robbers and destroyers.
In the middle of the 19th century. these lands attracted the attention of the Boers (white rural settlers, descendants of colonists), who were looking for new lands to settle north of the river Vaal, which belonged to the Africans. They managed to drive the Zulus out of here, and already in 1840-1855. the first Boer farm, Elandsport, was located here. To finally gain a foothold in these places, the Boers founded the city. It was founded by a South African politician Martinus Wessel Pretorius (1819-1901), son of the legendary Andries Pretorius (1798-1853), the Boer leader who was at the origins of the Natal Republic and later the Transvaal Republic, national hero Boers, famous for their victory over the Zulus at the Battle of the Bloody River. The founding of the city marked the last stage of the Boers' advance into Africa in search of free land.
In memory of his great father M. Pretorius - the future first president of the South African Republic of Transvaal - named new city Pretoria Philadelphia. Subsequently, the name was shortened to one word - Pretoria. In 1860, the city became the capital of the Republic of South Africa.
During the First Boer War of 1880-1881. the British suffered defeat after defeat and, not wanting to be drawn into the war, signed the peace convention of Pretoria in 1881. The Transvaal, with its capital in Pretoria, received full self-government, although it recognized the English permanent representative in Pretoria, who had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Boer republic.
The British took into account the lessons of the failed war, and the Second Boer War of 1899-1902. ended with the liquidation of the Transvaal and the British colonization of all of South Africa. Before the war began, the Boers built several forts around Pretoria in preparation for a long siege. Some of the forts remain in ruins, but several of these historic fortifications have become national monuments.
The city of Pretoria has a very logical layout: it is all divided into rectangular blocks of regular shape. The very center of the city is Church Square, designed on the model of Trafalgar Square in London. The main street of Pretoria is Church Street.
From 1910 to 1961 Pretoria remained the capital of the Union of South Africa, a British dominion. Since 1961, it has become the capital of South Africa.
For a long time, Pretoria was a symbol of the apartheid regime, which was supported by the then ruling National Party in the period 1948-1994. This was a difficult time for black South Africans, as they were only allowed to live on special reservations, which they could only leave with permission from the authorities. Leadership positions At that time it was predominantly occupied by Afrikaners.
In Pretoria in 1964, the trial of Nelson Mandela (born in 1918) took place, here he served a many-year prison sentence until 1990. Here, on May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela took the oath as the legally elected President of South Africa Republic.
There is confusion with the name of Pretoria: it is sometimes called Tswane - after the name of the river in the language of the Tswana people. Indeed, the South African parliament decided to rename Pretoria, since this name was associated with the difficult historical legacy inherited by the indigenous population from European colonialists. The court subsequently ruled to overturn this decision, but debate over the need to rename the capital continues.
But no one is encroaching on the unofficial title of Pretoria, which is called the City of Jacarandas. Indeed, in the parks and alleys of the city there are many of these plants, similar to mimosa, but with lilac flowers. Jacaranda, which was brought to Pretoria in the 19th century. from Brazil, blooms in October and November, and then the whole city turns lilac: there are about 80 thousand of these trees in Pretoria.
Pretoria is the fifth most populous city in South Africa. More than half of Pretoria's residents are of European descent. Pretoria has the largest white community in all of Africa. Currently, about half a million Afrikaners, descendants of European colonists, live in the vicinity of the city. The largest African ethnic group are northern Sotho.
Pretoria is the main commercial, industrial, transport and cultural center of the Republic of South Africa. There are many ferrous metallurgy enterprises in the city itself, textile industry. Diamond and iron ore mining has long been carried out in the vicinity of Pretoria.
The entire city is divided into rectangular blocks of regular shape. The architecture of Pretoria is a bizarre mixture of British colonial style, art deco and “South African” style, represented by surviving Afrikaner buildings. Historical center The city is Church Square (Church Square), formerly called Market Square. Once upon a time, an Englishman opened the city’s first store and bar, “Hole in the Wall,” on this square.
Not far from Pretoria there is the Paul Kruger National Park, which is accessible by special train. This is South Africa's oldest national park, located between the Limpopo and Crocodile rivers. The central part of the park has the largest concentration of wild animals in the world.

General information

Location: northeast of the Republic of South Africa.

Administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa.

Territorial and administrative division: 5 districts (East, South, Central-West, North-West and North-East).

Languages: Pretoria-Sotho, Northern Sotho, Afrikaans, Tswana, Tsonga, Zulu, English.

Ethnic composition: Afrikaners, Northern Sothos, Indians.
Religions: Christianity, local pagan beliefs.
Currency: South African rand

Nearest international airport: Johannesburg International Airport O.R. Tambo.

Numbers

Area: 513.84 km2.

Population: 525,387 people. (2001).
Population density: 1022.5 people/km 2 .
Average height above sea level: 1271 m.

Climate and weather

Humid subtropical climate.
Average January temperature:+23.5°C.

Average temperature in July:+12.5°C.

Average annual precipitation: 703 mm.

Relative humidity: 70%.

Distance: 60 km north of Johannesburg.

Economy

Administrative, commercial, industrial and transport center SOUTH AFRICA.

Industry: ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, textile, chemical, cement, food.

Services: tourism, transport, trade, financial.

Attractions

■ Architectural: Melrose House (1886), Parliament House (1890), Presidential Residence (Brynitirion Park), former Town Hall (1899), Union Building (1910-1913), 19th-century buildings. on Kirkplats Square, Justice Palace, Old Government Building, Old Capitol Theatre, First National Bank, Old Dutch Bank, Post Office.
■ Cultural: Museum of African Art "Window of Africa", Art Museum (Dutch art of the 17th century), Museum of Paul Kruger (President of the Transvaal, 1825-1904), memorial in honor of the Boer Voortrekkers, monument to the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa Louis Botha (1862-1919), University of South Africa, University of Pretoria, South African Academy of Sciences and Arts, State Library, National Archives, Municipal Art Gallery. National Historical and Cultural Museum. Transvaal Museum, Military Museum (Fort Shanskop), President P. Kruger House Museum, Pioneer House Museum, National Historical and Cultural Museum.
■ Natural: National Zoological Park, Burgers Park (1892), Venning Park ( Hanging Garden), Magnolia Hollow Park, Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Magnolia Dell Gardens.
■ Historical: forts ( late XIX c.), Kirkplats Square, Freedom Park.
■ Others: Tshwane Market, Church Square (1912).

Curious facts

■ Church Street (Church Street) is 26 km long.
■ The Battle of the Bloody River between armed groups of Boers and Zulus took place on December 16, 1838. The Boers asked the Africans to give them land for settlement, but the Zulus rejected the request and killed the entire peace delegation. In response, the Boers organized a raid for revenge. In the valley of the Nkome River, 500 Boers were attacked by more than 10 thousand Zulus armed with spears, while the Boers had cannons and rifles. All Zulu attacks were repulsed. Having lost several thousand people killed, the Zulus fled. None of the Boers died.

■ During the first Boer War of 1880-1881. The British were defeated also because the Boers wore simple country clothes, while the British remained faithful to the bright red uniforms, standing out against the yellow African landscape and becoming an excellent target for the Boer guns. Because of the red color of their uniforms, the Boers nicknamed the English soldiers “crayfish.”

■ Kruger National Park is known for its vast territory and the fact that more than 250 thousand animals of 147 species live here, for which the park is nicknamed “ Noah's Ark" Representatives of the “big five” animals of Africa live here: lion, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo and leopard. The park was founded in 1898. last president Transvaal by Paul Kruger.
■ During the Second Boer War 1899-1902. British officers were kept prisoner in a schoolhouse in Pretoria. Among them was Winston Churchill (1874-1924), war correspondent and future British Prime Minister, who famously escaped from imprisonment in Pretoria.
■ The Pretoria Zoo is one of the largest in the world. On an area of ​​60 hectares, more than 130 species of mammals and 120 species of birds are represented.
■ North-east of Pretoria is the Cullinan diamond mine, where in 1905 a 530-carat diamond was found - the largest ever discovered in Africa, called the Great Star of Africa. The diamond was later divided into 106 pieces and set into the crown of the British Queen. Now all the parts are among the jewels of the British royal family.
■ Museum military history Pretoria is located at Fort Clapperkop. This is one of four fortresses built to protect the city, but never used for its intended purpose.