Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, Former prison complex in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
Constitution Hill is a former prison complex in Braamfontein that comprises the Old Fort, Number Four prison, Women's Jail, and the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The site combines multiple buildings from different periods, ranging from Victorian structures to contemporary architecture, together documenting the country's political transformation.
The complex began as a prison facility in the late 1800s and became a central place of detention during South Africa's struggle against racial discrimination. Following democratization, the grounds were fundamentally transformed and the Constitutional Court was added in 1994 to symbolize the new political system.
The Constitutional Court building was constructed using bricks from the demolished Awaiting Trial Block, linking the physical structure to South Africa's democratic journey. Visitors can feel this symbolic connection while walking through the modern spaces and recognizing history within the materials themselves.
The site is walkable with clear signage between the different buildings. Visiting on a weekday is recommended when more exhibitions and activities are accessible and crowds are smaller.
The court chamber features artworks and architectural elements from all nine provinces of South Africa, expressing national unity through design. This thoughtful integration of regional symbols makes the space a visual statement of togetherness.
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This collection brings together about thirty places of memory and reflection spread across several continents. Each one shows a moment in history where violence affected people and changed entire areas. These sites remind us of the effects of wars, genocides, and persecutions, while also carrying a...
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