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"Pietermaritzburg" a Pietermaritzburg Travel Page by ashique

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"Pietermaritzburg" a Pietermaritzburg Travel Page by ashique

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ashique   
" If you not sitting on the edge of the bench, you taking up too much space "


Real Name: Ashique
Lives In: Pietermaritzburg, ZA
Member Since: Jan 05, 2004
VT Rank: 7052

 

Page Views: 710            Last Visit to Pietermaritzburg: -      

Pietermaritzburg

by ashique - last update: May 13, 2004

Hidden History of Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg had its beginnings in the colonial era and was originally settled by the Voortrekkers in 1838. The British re-imposed sovereignty over the Boers in 1842/3. However, both the Boers and the British have left indelible marks on the city, manifest in many ways, but particularly on the architecture of the city.

The modern city of Pietermaritzburg boasts a broad cultural diversity. British, Zulu, Afrikaans (Boer), Hindu and Moslem communities have all contributed to a culturally diverse city.

Internationally prominent people such as Gandhi and Mandela have also played a part in the city's history. History left Pietermaritzburg with a sad legacy in that Gandhi was unceremoniously thrown off the train in Pietermaritzburg, and Mandela was arrested nearby and held in police cells within the city before his now famous trial.

The site of the current city hall was originally occupied by the Boer Raadsaal. It was later replaced by the first Pietermaritzburg city hall, a two storey structure completed in 1893, and completely destroyed by fire on 12 July 1898. The current three storey city hall structure, was completed in 1903 and is deemed to be the largest red brick structure in the southern hemisphere.

Today the city is and has been politically controlled by the ANC (African National Congress) since the first democratic elections in 1994. Internationally renowned democracy-seeker and author, Alan Paton was schooled here and had strong attachments to the city. The Alan Paton library is housed in the local university.
A view of the city of Pmb from Worlds View, The Twin Tower building is called Natalia which is surrounded by supermarkets, flats and businesses.

Alexandra Park

Comprising 86.5ha, Alexandra Park was established in 1863 and named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark who later became Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. It features the picturesque cricket Pavilion built in 1898 to commemorate 50 years of British history in Pietermaritzburg. Today it houses a restaurant. There is also a charming Chinoiserie-style bandstand, recently renovated to its former glory, which is the venue of regular concerts. Alexandra Park is a centre for international sports fixtures and the venue for monthly craft markets.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Beautiful Views"
Cons:"crime rate on the rise"
In A Nutshell:"Beautiful place to vist"
ashique's Pietermaritzburg Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
 
Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 3 - Photos: 2
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 3
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for ashique about Pietermaritzburg
mary2u99 Sun Apr 30, 2006 04:28 UTC
 The park look beautiful.. Happy birthday to you.
Kristina1701 Fri Nov 19, 2004 21:05 UTC
 nice start! sounds like a great place! what a pity crime is on the rise though :(
Bavavia Tue Nov 9, 2004 17:32 UTC
 Love alexandria park picture! HOpe all is well on your side of the world which is just the opposite side where I am!
Elena_007 Sat Aug 28, 2004 19:13 UTC
 Loved the "orgasm" on your home page. Someone stole mine. :-( Your part of the World is very interesting. :-) Hope to see more pics here soon. ~Elaine~

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