Pretoria, Administrative capital in Gauteng province, South Africa
Pretoria is the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa and lies in Gauteng province. The city extends along the Apies River and reaches into the western foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains at 1,339 meters (4,393 feet) above sea level.
Marthinus Pretorius founded the city in 1855, and it later became the capital of Transvaal in 1860. In 1910 it was designated as the administrative center of South Africa when the Union was formed and several colonies were merged.
The Union Buildings serve as the official seat of government and draw visitors who walk through the manicured gardens and observe the architecture. Local families use the grounds for picnics, while political ceremonies and state receptions take place regularly, making the building a living symbol of national identity.
The Gautrain rapid rail system connects the city with Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, providing an efficient transportation option for travelers and commuters. The city is generally accessible during daylight hours, but visitors should inform themselves about specific neighborhoods and their safety conditions before moving around.
Purple jacaranda trees line 20 kilometers (12 miles) of Church Street and numerous other streets, creating seasonal color displays throughout the city's grid system. The blooming trees transform the urban appearance each year in spring and draw photographers and nature lovers who walk through the purple-canopied avenues.
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