| The concrete column and city emblem in mosaic are the symbols of the fountain from which bloemfontein got its name. |
| This edifice, the pride of the Free State, comprises interalia the Provincial Administration and the head office of PACOFS. From the revolving restaurants on the 26th flor, a spectacular view of the city can be obtained. |
| The museum serves as an archive for the Education Department, and can be visited by appointment only. The museum was opened on April 1986. |
| This building with its impressive glass and concrete panel, houses offices of the Provincial Administration. |
| Discover the old-world charm of Freshform House, built in 1897 by the architect John Edwin Harrison. The house has been restored and furnished by the National Museum and offers the visitor a glimpse int the lifestyle of the 1980s. |
| The City Hall is part of the 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. |
| The Appeal Court was completed in 1929 and serves as the highest court in South Africa. The stinkwood panelled courtroom itself, is the most magnificent in the country while the judges library adds dignity to the already impressive building. Bloemfontein is South Afria's judicial capital since 1910. |
| The old Government building facing Maitland Street is reminiscent of the old Cape-Dutch architecture. The Letterkundige Museum is housed in this building. |
| The Supreme Court opposite the fire Brigade in President Brand Street is the seat of the Provincial Law Courts. The magnificent interior warants a visit. Civil as well as criminal cases from all over the Free state are heard here. It was built during 1909 at a cost of £60 000. |
| Diagonally opposite the Magistrates Court stands the historically important Presidency. This interesting old building was formarly the residence of the Presidents of the old Free State Republic. |
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 Weather forecast for the Free State Historical Places of Interest The fountain CR Swart District Free State Education Museum Lebohang Building Freshford House Museum City Hall Appeal Court Old Government Building: Letterkunde Museum The Supreme Court The Old Presidency
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Regions l Motheo MotheoMotheo is the Sesotho for “foundation” or “ strong base of a building” and is derived from the geographic positioning at the heart of the economic and industrial development of the province. Three local municipalities fall within the jurisdiction of the Motheo Region: Mangaung Local Municipality
Mantsopa Local Municipality
The area is also traversed by the Maluti Route on the R26 from Kwazulu Natal via the Eastern Free State, up to the Eastern Cape highlands and the Lesotho Kingdom. Ladybrand especially is an economically bustling town with high property prices and sometimes being populary referred to as the “capital” of Lesotho. Naledi Local Municipality
Stretched along the Highlands of the Maluti Route, the R26 Route winds through this area. Places of interest in Bloemfontein
Mangaung township attractions
Bloemfontein/Mangaung can be viewed from the top of Naval Hill, where one also come across wildlife in the Franklin Game Reserve, the only reserve of its kind in the world completely surrounded by a city. Bloemfontein offers all the modern elements and facilities needed to ensure its viability as a competitive urban destination. These include upmarket shopping centres, hundreds of restaurants and a host of nightlife opportunities, etc. The streets of Bloemfontein are lined with magnificent sandstone architecture especially President Brand Street, which is well worth a walk down. There are many impressive museums and monuments - one of which is the national Women's Memorial commemorating the 27 000 women and children who perished during the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. A little later in history the ANC was formed in 1912 in the Mangaung township of Batho, while the Nationalist Party was founded in Bloemfontein in 1914. Bloemfontein has a busy cultural and social events calendar. One of the annual events not to be missed, is the Macufe Festival in September, a cultural eisteddfod of storytelling, poetry, art, music and dance. In terms of arts and entertainment, Bloemfontein offers the world-class Sand du Plessis Theatre. This draws nationally acclaimed events and artist performances. Close to it, one can enjoy meals at Loch Logan Waterfront at one of the exquisite restaurants. This Waterfront has a permanent flea market which offers the best craft found from this region. Meanwhile, for a true African ghetto experience, visit the historical township jazz performances. Today Mangaung Municipality covers Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba ‘Nchu, with the administrative head office at Bloemfontein. 60 Km from Mangaung lies Botshabelo and Thaba ‘Nchu. Botshabelo is believed to be the largest township in the Free State and second largest in the country after Soweto. Thaba ‘Nchu is well-known for the Barolong tribe and Chief Moroka the famous. Apart from Thaba ‘Nchu Sun and Naledi Sun, while exploring the heart of the Free State you will also get great resorts like Philip Sanders and Aventura Maselspoort. Finally, watch the sun set at Soetdoring Nature Reserve after having watching the lions in the park being fed. Botshabelo Botshabelo - “a place of refugee” - is 45 km from Bloemfontein on the N8 road to Lesotho and is believed to be the largest township settlement in the Free State - and the second largest in South Africa after Soweto. It is also well-known for its struggle for national liberation and against their incorporation into Qwa-Qwa, the then homeland. Even though there is few job opportunities, it has a low crime rate. Attractions
Thaba ‘Nchu Situated 65 km from Bloemfontein on the N8 - 10km from Botshabelo - this town was established in 1873 after long being inhabited by Chief Moshoeshoe and Basotho. “Thaba ‘Nchu” is the Sesotho name for “black mountain”. Today Thaba ‘Nchu is home to two luxury hotels and casino’s and the Maria Moroka Nature Reserve which surrounds Thaba ‘Nchu Sun and Setlogelo Dam. Attractions
Adventure and eco- tourism:
Caravaning and camping
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| Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province, has also become known locally as the 'City of Roses'. |
| Thaba 'Nchu: The Thaba'Nchu Sun Hotel & Casino is located in the Free State, adjacent to the Maria Moroka Game Reserve which is home to White Rhino, Birchells Zebra, Springbok, various other species of Antelope and a variety of Bird Life. |
| Botshabelo, a must-see for the cultural tourist, remains a monument to apartheid planning in the Free State. |
| Hobhouse is named after Emily Hobhouse, human rights fighter during the Anglo-Boer War. |
| Wepener is named after Lourens Wepener who died during a war
in 1867 between Dutch-Afrikaans settlers and Sothos. The nearby Caledon Nature Reserve offers viewing of antelope such as blesbok, springbok, black wildebeest, zebra. |
