Church Square

Lonely Planet review

Church Square lies in the heart of Pretoria and is surrounded by many imposing public buildings including the Palace of Justice on the northern side, where the Rivonia Trial that sentenced Nelson Mandela to life imprisonment was held. In the centre of the square the 'Old Lion', Paul Kruger, looks disapprovingly at office workers lounging on the grass. The bronze figures of Kruger and the sentries, also by Van Wouw, were cast in Italy at the turn of the century, but lay in storage until 1954.

In the early days, Boers from the surrounding countryside would gather in the square every three months for nagmaal (communion).

Other buildings in the square include the Ou Raadsaal (Old Government) building on the southern side; the Old Capitol Theatre in the northwestern corner; the First National Bank in the northeast; the Old Nederlandsche Bank building, which adjoins the Café Riche and houses the Tourist Information Centre; and the Main Post Office on the western side. Look out for the clock, surrounded by nude figures by Anton van Wouw, above the entrance to the Post Office.