Pretoria, Gauteng

There are many places on the face of earth that have faced problems in terms of getting a name and sustaining the same. Pretoria, Gauteng is no different. Historical records show that the city faced some controversy regarding its name for a long time.

Before acquiring the present name Pretoria, the city went through several name modifications like Pretoriusdorp, Pretorium, Pretoriusstad and Pretoria-Philadelphia. The city of Pretoria is situated in the northern part of the Gauteng province, South Africa. Serving as one of the three capital cities, Pretoria in Gauteng performs official executive or administrative functions.

Besides being known for its controversial name, Pretoria in Gauteng is famous for Jacarandas (important Brazilian timber tree) that line up the streets of the city. The lending of a "leafy characteristic" can be attributed to the abundance of trees in the city of Pretoria. The luxurious overgrowth of trees have also made Pretoria popular as the "Jacaranda city". With the changing seasons, the city literally undergoes an amazing color change.

As the trees experience a brush up with small delicate blossoming on the branches and then falls on the streets, it makes an awe-inspiring scene worth being captured for eternity. Since the climate of the place is conducive to the growth of rose trees, roses grow quite well and therefore the city is sometimes known as the "city of roses". Its amazing to think how nature can and does make way for an ever changing colorful attire that the city embraces from time to time.

The Jacaranda trademark is not the only attraction of the city as you are likely to find many more such splendors. The place reflects a beautiful blend of provincial and cosmopolitan image. The pleasant climate besides the pleasing nature of the people are the major turn ons of the place. Apart from nature's reserves, you are likely to come across the pulsating ambiance of Pretoria, Gauteng as well. You simply cannot give it a miss!

There are number of Nature Reserves including Groenkloof, Rietfontein, Faerie Glen and Wonderboom nature reserves. The National Botanical Gardens is quite popular as well. It is one of the finest zoological gardens in the world covering a large area of 600 hectares of parkland in Pretoria. Do catch a glimpse of the largest antelope collection in the world at this place. The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary is a must see for especially for the little ones. This place provides shelter for about 170 waterbird species.

Apart getting amazed with the parks and the gardens of the place, do not assume the excitement is over, because the monuments and the landmarks are likely to take up your time and make sure you experience some interesting facts of the past. The Church Square, Union Buildings, Melrose House and the Voortrekker Monument are important places that deserves a visit for sure.

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