Historical Buildings of Bloemfontein

The rich heritage of Bloemfontein is reflected in the many buildings of historical importance found throughout the city - as well as the Museums of Bloemfontein; which makes this such an important city in the history of South Africa.

National Afrikaans Literature Museum
This building originally accommodated the government structures of the Republic of the Orange Free State in the 1800s and is reminiscent of the old Cape-Dutch architecture in the area. The National Afrikaans Literature Museum, with the largest collection of Afrikaans literature and manuscripts, as well as artefacts belonging to well-known Afrikaans writers, is housed in this building.

Old Presidency
This interesting building dating from the 1800s was previously the official residence of the presidents of the former Republic of the Orange Free State.

Twin-spire Church
This building is the only twin-spire Dutch Reformed Church in Southern Africa. The building was completed in 1880 on the site of a much smaller church where the famous Rev Andrew Murray had been a minister. Here the last three presidents of the former Republic of the Orange Free State took oath of office.

Anglican Cathedral
This cathedral is regarded as the spiritual heart of Bloemfontein’s Anglican community and the city’s founder, Major Henry Douglas Warden, laid its foundation stone in 1850.

Maphikela House
Thomas Maphikela was one of the founder members of the ANC in Bloemfontein in 1912. His double-storey house, where important ANC meetings were held, has been declared a National Monument.

Digareteneng Houses
These houses were built in 1952 to coincide with the visit of King George V to Bloemfontein in order to conceal the squatter settlements in the area.

Appeal Court
The Appeal Court was completed in 1929 and serves as the highest court in South Africa. The stinkwood-panelled courtroom is probably the most magnificent in the country, while the judges’ library adds dignity to the already outstanding building. Bloemfontein has been South Africa’s judicial capital since 1910.

Supreme Court
The Supreme Court, opposite the Fire Station in President Brand Street, is the seat of the provincial court of law. The magnificent interior merits a visit. Civil, as well as criminal cases, from all over the Free State are heard here. It was built in 1909 at a cost of £ 60 000.

Fourth Raadsaal
In the 1800s the Fourth Raadsaal, an impressive and well-designed classical structure, housed the legislature of the former Republic of the Orange Free State. The building is presently home to the Free State Provincial Legislature.

Lebohang Building
This building, with an extraordinary stained glass and concrete panel especially visible at night, houses offices of the Free State Provincial Government.

Provincial Government Building
Previously known as the CR Swart Building, this magnificent high rise structure houses departments of the Free State Provincial Government and the head office of the Performing Arts Council of the Free State (PACOFS).

Bram Fischer Building
This modern glass construction was inaugurated in 1992 and serves as the headquarters of the MANGAUNG Local Municipality.

City Hall
The City Hall is one of the many impressive sandstone buildings designed by Sir Gordon Leith. It is located in President Brand Street, which has been declared a national conservation area in its entirety.

Bloemfontein Public Library
This library houses an interesting collection of Africana and a unique collection of drama texts.