'The City of Roses'

Bloemfontein began as an agricultural settlement but in recent years has developed into a prosperous commercial city.

The history of South Africa's judicial capital can be traced back to 1840 when Johannes Brits, a Voortrekker, built his home alongside a spring on the dry open plains.  A settlement developed which eventually became the capital of the Republic of the Orange Free State. 

Bloemfontein has many stately historical buildings and monuments that testify to its pioneering past.  Graceful charm can be seen all along the historical, tree-lined President Brand Street, which has been declared a national monument. Stately museum buildings stand proudly visible at the ends of bustling main streets in the business district, while small monuments and memorials, almost unnoticeable, are preserved in built-up suburbs.

You may wish to visit the National Museum with the finest anthropological exhibition in South Africa.   The city also has several museums worth visiting which include the Queens Fort and Freshford House Museum.  Bloemfontein is also famous for its monuments and statues which include The Cenotaph, commemorating the Bloemfontein men who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and the Basuto Monument which remembers the soldiers who lost their life in the Anglo-Boer War.

The city is the birthplace of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Although claims that his fantastic novels were inspired by the country of his birth are probably exaggerated, as JRR Tolkien left South Africa at age 3, having never set foot outside Bloemfontein!

 

 

• Naval Hill ~ Overlooks the flat plains north of Blomfontein, Naval Hill was the site of the British naval gun emplacements during the Anglo-Boer War and two can still be seen today.
• Franklin Game Reserve ~ Antelope, springbok, eland and zebra can all be seen in this reserve, and is the only reserve of its kind completed surrounded by a city. 
• Lamont Hussey Observatory ~ Located inside the Franklin Game Reserve, has been converted into a theatre.
• The War Museum ~ The museum not only gives an insight into the Boer War through its art, dioramas and exhibitions, but also brings the visitor closer to understanding the background against which the war took place.  You can also get a glimpse into life in a concentration or prisoner-of-war camps.
• The National Women's Memorial ~ A sandstone shrine impressive in its simplicity, is a celebrated example of South African sculpture art created by Anton von Wouw.  This obelisk is dedicated to the memory of the women and children who perished during the Anglo Boer War. Located next the The War Museum.
• Sand du Plessis Theatre ~ Modern and technically advanced, this theatre is breathtaking, glittering in gold and marble.
• Waldie Greyvenstei ~ A collection of veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and motor memorabilia.
• President Brand Street ~ Historic sandstone buildings are located here, such as the Court of Appeal, Fourth Raadsaal, City Hall and the Supreme Court.
• Free State National Botanical Garden ~ Step into this tropical oasis of lush greenery, a circular wooden walkway taking one around this tiny jungle full of charm.  See also The Orchid House and the Fragrance Garden for the Blind.