The Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa. The granite structure is located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. It was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk.
voortrekker monument
What is special about the Voortrekker Monument?
Every aspect of the monument symbolizes and honours the Voortrekkers who embarked on the treacherous journey. The twenty-seven marble friezes depict the history of the Great Trek and incorporate aspects of everyday life, work, beliefs and culture of the Boers.
How much is the entrance fee at Voortrekker Monument?
The monument can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 (1 May – 31 Aug), 08:00 to 18:00 (1 Sep – 30 April), the Monument will be closed on 25 December. Entrance fee ranges from ZAR20 to ZAR100 and for friends of the Monument entrance is free. .
Who is buried at the Voortrekker Monument?
In the center of the hall there is an empty grave to honor the Voortrekkers who died during the Great Trek. It is called a cenotaph, which means “grave without bones.” Carved on the cenotaph are the words Ons vir jou, SuidAfrika (“We for you, South Africa”).
Who are the statues at the Voortrekker Monument?
On each Outside Corner of the Monument there is a Statue, respectively representing Piet Retief, Andries Pretorius, Hendrik Potgieter and an “unknown” leader (representative of all the other Voortrekker leaders). Each statue weighs approximately 6 tons.