![Harare Introduction Walking Tour, Harare](/img/gd/5778.jpg)
Harare Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Harare
Harare, formerly known as Salisbury, is the capital and the largest city of Zimbabwe. Amid the severe economic crisis that has been battering Zimbabwe the last few decades, Harare remains a vibrant metropolis and the country's cultural and economic hub. Among its key attractions is the National Gallery of Zimbabwe which hosts a vast display of African contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship: baskets, textiles, jewelry and musical instruments. To see what else today's Harare has to offer, take this orientation walk.
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Harare Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Harare Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Zimbabwe » Harare (See other walking tours in Harare)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Author: Dee
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Zimbabwe » Harare (See other walking tours in Harare)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Author: Dee
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Crowne Plaza
- First Street
- Anglican Cathedral
- Africa Unity Square
- Eastgate Center
- The Museum of Human Sciences
1) Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is located on Fourth Street near the Central Intelligence Organization. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its two heavily adorned towers. It is one the few remaining British Colonial-era buildings left in Harare. The cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare.
2) National Gallery of Zimbabwe (must see)
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe showcases contemporary pieces by regional artists. The gallery was established in 1952 with money donated by Sir James McDonald. The gallery includes a preservation area and a gallery library. Metal and stone sculptures, paintings, and other types of African art are on display here.
3) Crowne Plaza
Crowne Plaza is the most-visited hotel in Harare. It is located on Park Lane in the city's Business District. The hotel is famous for its unique, semicircular shape. The mirror windows reflect the light, making the hotel a stunning sight, especially as the sun sets. Crowne Plaza has 19 floors, two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, and a gift shop. The hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city.
4) First Street (must see)
First Street is one of the most popular pedestrian streets in Harare. Here you can mingle with locals and experience Harare's vibrant street life. Visit self-service restaurants, shop for handicrafts, and watch street entertainers play their music, all on First Street.
5) Anglican Cathedral
The Anglican Cathedral, located at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street, was built in 1913 by British architect Herbert Baker. The sandstone structure was built over a period of fifty years and was finished only in 1961. The cathedral features a bell tower with 10 bells, all of which were cast in London. Its somber interior, with its large, granite columns, is quite moving.
6) Africa Unity Square
Africa Unity Square, also known as Cecil Square, is remarkable for its large fountain and the flower sellers that line the square. It was named Cecil Square in honor of Cecil John Rhodes. The square was built in 1890, and it has served as an important meeting place throughout Harare's history. It is also a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the day.
7) Eastgate Center (must see)
The Eastgate Centre is a shopping centre and office block in central Harare, whose architect is Mick Pearce. Designed to be ventilated and cooled by entirely natural means, it was probably the first building in the world to use natural cooling to this level of sophistication. It opened in 1996 on Robert Mugabe Avenue and Second Street, and provides 5,600 square meters of retail space, 26,000 square meters of office space and parking for 450 cars.
The Eastgate Centre's design is a deliberate move away from the "big glass block". Mick Pearce took an alternative approach. Because of its altitude, Harare has a temperate climate despite being in the tropics, and the typical daily temperature swing is 10 or 40 °C. This makes a mechanical or passive cooling system a viable alternative to artificial air-conditioning.
The Eastgate Centre's design is a deliberate move away from the "big glass block". Mick Pearce took an alternative approach. Because of its altitude, Harare has a temperate climate despite being in the tropics, and the typical daily temperature swing is 10 or 40 °C. This makes a mechanical or passive cooling system a viable alternative to artificial air-conditioning.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
8) The Museum of Human Sciences (must see)
The Museum of Human Sciences is located on the outskirts of the city center. The museum has a number of collections related to the culture of Harare and Zimbabwe. Artifacts include musical instruments and other important archeological, historical and zoological items. The Museum of Human Sciences is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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