Pretoria | Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty | Pretoria Property
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty - Pretoria
With the lilac splendour of Jacarandas as its trademark, Pretoria has grown into a metropolitan structure encapsulating a rainbow nation. Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa, Pretoria is the national administrative (executive) capital of South Africa and hosts the foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
It's here where colourful people from all over gather; where bustling trade and scintillating nightlife is offset by the tranquillity of nature reserves. It's Africa with a touch of Europe and a pinch of oriental spice. Hooting taxis, cars old and new, buses and trains drive past hawkers selling an array of fresh fruit from surrounding farms.
Pretoria: The History And Aesthetics
Pretoria has a long, involved and fascinating history. It was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius - a leader of the Voortrekkers - who named it after his father Andries Pretorius. The city became the capital of the South African Republic (ZAR), on 1 May 1860, and now has a population exceeding one million.
Pretoria has historically significant classical architecture, fascinating museums and rich archaeological contributions. High up on Meintjieskop, overlooking the city, Sir Herbert Baker's famous architectural wonder - the stately Union Buildings - house Government offices. And in the Transvaal Museum of natural history, Mrs Ples - the australopithecine fossil uncovered at Sterkfontein, in the Cradle of Humankind, and supposedly the first of her kind ever found - is displayed.
Practically a requirement when visiting the city, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, the Zoological Gardens, the Union Buildings and various museums and galleries, all offer unique features. Adding to the rich diversity of Pretoria are the Melrose House, the Pioneer Museum, Sammy Marks museum, and the Voortrekker Monument. Outdoor activities include the Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves, the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, and a steam train ride around Pretoria.
Pretoria: The Academic Hub Of Gauteng
Pretoria is one of South Africa's leading academic cities, home to both the largest residential university in the country - the Tshwane University of Technology - and the largest distance education university, the University of South Africa (more commonly known by its acronym, UNISA).
The University of Pretoria (colloquially known as Tuks or Tukkies), one of South Africa's leading research and teaching universities, and the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), are also nearby.
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty In Pretoria
Over the years, Pretoria has lured many an investor and along with the industrial growth, people from all over have settled in the Pretoria and Pretoria-East, areas. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty has a diverse selection of Pretoria-based properties for your rental and buying needs.
The climate is as warm and pleasing as the people, the scenery as colourful as its history. It's a fascinating fusion of the ancient and modern; the indigenous and cosmopolitan, and as an area in which to live, Pretoria makes the golden reputation of Gauteng shine ever brighter.
