Union Buildings, Government building in Pretoria, South Africa

The Union Buildings form a government complex on Meintjieskop hill with two symmetrical wings joined by a semi-circular colonnade in neoclassical style. The structure is built of light sandstone and is 285 m long. The lower levels are Edwardian, while the top levels show Cape Dutch design with shutters; windows become shorter towards the top to give an illusion of height.

Construction began in 1910 following the formation of the Union of South Africa and lasted until 1913, designed by Herbert Baker. The site later became the stage for Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the country's first democratically elected president in 1994.

The name refers to the Union of South Africa, which brought four provinces together under one government. Today, citizens and visitors gather on the terraces where monuments to Mandela and other figures form part of the nation's living memory.

The gardens around the building are open daily and offer paths through terraced grounds with views over the city. Visitors should allow time for the climb to the main entrance, as access from the parking area requires an ascent over several flights of steps.

The buildings stand on a disused quarry; its old excavations were reshaped into the amphitheatre, which has 9,000 seats and is set about with ornamental pools, fountains and balustrades. The granite was quarried on site, while Buiskop sandstone was used for the courtyards.