Parliament Building of South Africa, Cape Town

While in Cape Town don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Parliament of South Africa, which holds guided tours on most weekdays when Parliament isn’t in session, or you can get tickets to sit in the public gallery when the Parliament is in session.

Since 1910 Cape Town has been the Legislative Capital of the Union and the Council of Provinces meet in the Old House of Parliament which was built in 1885. The National Assembly meets in the Tricameral Chamber, which was created when colored members were admitted to the government.

The building was originally designed by Charles Freeman in 1875, but the design was later found flawed and Freeman got kicked off the project which was then handed to Henry Greaves, who re-did the plans and the building was finished in 1884.

There are two entrances to this beautiful building – one on the garden side with six Corinthian columns; the other, the main entrance on Parliament Street, has four groups of two columns. In front of this entrance, you will see a grand statue of Queen Victoria.

The guided tours are a great way to learn the history of South Africa. They start by visiting the multimedia room where you will watch a short documentary DVD that explains the history of the National Symbol and the Parliamentary Emblem. The guides are always ready to answer any questions concerning the political history of South Africa.

Tip:
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the building. Guided tours available, but those need to be pre-booked.