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Monument · Pretória, Gauteng
Monumento Voortrekker
A 40-metre granite monument on a hill south of Pretoria, in memory of the voortrekkers, the Boer settlers who left the Cape in the 19th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Monumento Voortrekker
The Voortrekker Monument was built between 1937 and 1949 on a hill south of Pretoria in memory of the voortrekkers, the settlers of Dutch origin who left the British Cape Colony from 1835 in ox-wagons heading inland. The design is by architect Gerard Moerdijk, and the granite building measures 40 metres high, 40 wide and 40 long.
In the main hall, a marble frieze of 27 panels recounts the voortrekkers’ journey and the battles with the Zulu and Ndebele peoples. In the basement, a cenotaph is illuminated by a shaft of sunlight entering through an opening in the roof every 16 December at noon, the date of the Battle of Blood River in 1838.
The monument is surrounded by a stone wall with 64 sculpted ox-wagons, forming the defensive circle used by the voortrekkers. A museum in the basement displays period objects, and a staircase leads to the upper terrace with views over Pretoria.
The monument tells the story from the voortrekkers’ viewpoint; Freedom Park, on the hill opposite, was created to tell the history of other peoples of the country.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, combined with Freedom Park in the afternoon.
How to get there
It is about 6 km south of central Pretoria, off the N14, within a nature reserve, by car or app.
Tip
Climb to the upper terrace: the view reaches Freedom Park and central Pretoria.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monumento Voortrekker
What is the Voortrekker Monument?
A 40‑metre granite monument near Pretoria, in memory of the Boer settlers who left the Cape in the 19th century.
When was the Voortrekker Monument built?
Between 1937 and 1949.
What happens on 16 December at the monument?
At noon, a shaft of sunlight enters through the roof and illuminates the cenotaph underground.