Statue of Paul Kruger, Bronze monument in Church Square, Pretoria, South Africa
The Paul Kruger statue stands in Church Square in Pretoria, showing the figure wearing a top hat and presidential sash surrounded by four Boer soldiers positioned at the four cardinal directions. The bronze figures form a complete composition that depicts the armed forces and leadership of that historical period.
The sculpture was created in 1896 by artist Anton van Wouw and first traveled to Lourenco Marques during the Anglo-Boer War that shook the region. The monument was finally installed at Church Square in 1954 after spending time at other locations following the end of the conflict.
The monument sits in central Pretoria and marks an important chapter in South African history that many visitors connect to the conflicts and wars of that era. The four soldiers surrounding it represent different periods of armed struggle and show visitors what uniforms and equipment looked like at the time.
The monument sits on a public square in central Pretoria and is easily reached by public transport or car with parking nearby. Visitors should expect the square to be fairly busy during the day, with good access from nearby streets and clear sightlines to the sculpture from most angles.
The bronze sculpture spent years at different locations before finding its permanent home, including a stint at Pretoria's railway station. This history of relocation reflects the shifting political circumstances the country experienced during that era.
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