Landmarks
Joburg's first trees
One hundred and seventeen years ago Johannesburg was a dusty, rocky,
barren veld. Nowadays it's a man-made urban forest with six million
trees. How did this happen?
Market square
Today's government precinct, owned by Gauteng province, was once the
town's market square and produce market, and the bustling centre of
Johannesburg. Its legacy lives on in City Deep
Joburg's castles
Johannesburg
can boast four "castles" around the city and suburbs, the oldest being
almost as old as the city itself, at 105 years old, and the newest 11
years old.
Guildhall Pub
The Guildhall Pub has sat for 115 years on the edge of Johannesburg's original market square, now the Library Gardens.
Rand Club
The
Rand Club in Loveday Street, one of the city's oldest and loveliest
buildings, is still largely a place where men hang out, enjoying one
another's company almost exclusively
Regina Mundi
Soweto's
largest Catholic Church played a pivotal role in the township's history
of resistance against apartheid. Now the church opens its doors to
streams of visitors keen to witness the scars it still bears
The Rand Club
A toast to the Rand Club as it serves the city more inclusively today than probably at any other time in its long history
Joburg's oldest buildings
The
town of Johannesburg was born in 1886, after gold was discovered on the
farm Langlaagte. The town grew rapidly, and many of the early buildings
were torn down and replaced. But some of those buildings and farmhouses
remain, a monument to the city's pioneers and farmers.
Somerset House
There're
dozens of old buildings around the CBD. One of them, Somerset House,
although a little neglected, is still functioning, and signs of its
former splendour, including its basement, are still visible.
Hillbrow Tower: Joburg's own Table Mountain
Portrait of the most prominent landmark in Johannesburg, the Hillbrow Tower, built for just R2-million.
Ponte: rent the best view in town
One of Joburg's most visible landmarks, Ponte, has made a comeback
after years of notoriety. The flats have been spruced up and secured,
and the spectacular penthouses, available for rent, offer the best city
views in southern Africa.
Mai-Mai: visit a genuine African bazaar
The
Mai Mai bazaar - a complex which boasts a rich concentration of
traditional herbs and healers - is to be restored and promoted as a
prime tourist destination in the city.
The lovely Lonehill Koppie
Lonehill
Koppie stands out on the outskirts of Johannesburg as a special place
covered with huge ancient boulders that have a particular presence. The
Koppie has tremendous historical significance in a suburb that is
actively combating crime.
Brenthurst, Joburg's breathtaking secret garden
In
the heart of Parktown is a spectacular garden of 45 acres, employing 45
gardeners, one gardener for every acre. The gardens are part of the
Brenthurst estate, belonging to the Oppenheimers, and are a model of
organic gardening.
Carlton Hotel
Joburg's Carlton Hotel - an icon of the high life for years - fell on hard times and was closed in 1997.
|
