Ou Raadsaal, Parliament building at Church Square, Pretoria, South Africa
The Ou Raadsaal is a parliament building at Church Square in Pretoria with Renaissance Revival architecture. Its facade features grand columns, decorative details, and three levels of carefully worked stonework and windows.
The building was commissioned in 1891 by President Paul Kruger and served as parliament for the Volksraad of the South African Republic until 1902. It marks an important phase in the region's political development before the Second Boer War.
The building shows how Dutch settlers shaped the architecture and politics of early South Africa through its design choices. It reflects how power and identity were expressed through the structures people chose to build.
The building is open to visitors during regular hours and contains informative displays about parliamentary history. Its location at Church Square makes it easy to find and the surrounding area has several other notable sites nearby.
A third floor was added after President Kruger learned that the neighboring hotel would be three stories tall. This practical decision shows the rivalry and pride that existed between the city's leaders.
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