Voortrekker Monument Pretoria

The Voortrekker Monument Pretoria stands over 40 meters tall on its hilltop home, and is visible from a large part of Pretoria.

It was built to describe the history of the Afrikaner pioneers (called Voortrekkers) who left the Cape Colony, where they suffered under British rule, to travel to the interior of the country from 1835 to 1854 on what has come to be known as the Great Trek.

Both within and around the monument, every aspect of the building has a historic or symbolic significance.

A unique marble Frieze circles the inside walls of the Voortrekker Monument. In bas-relief, 27 panels depict the story of the Great Trek from 1835 to 1852. The Frieze not only shows the history of the Great Trek, but also shows how the Voortrekkers went about their everyday lives. It also provides an insight on their religious beliefs and work methods of the Voortrekkers and historic wars, such as the Battle of Bloodriver.

Cenotaph Hall is located on the lower floor, and is home to the Cenotaph (empty tomb).

On 16 December every year the sun shines down through a small hole in the centre of the Voortrekker Monument roof, onto the Cenotaph, lighting up the enscribed words: "Ons vir jou Suid Africa" ("We for thee, South Africa"). 

Many thousands of South African's travel from a far for this special memorial event.

"Ons is kinders van die Groot Trek

'n Nasie enig in sy soort!"