The Free State province is the perfect destination for history buffs. From museums to indigenous villages, there is plenty to learn, explore and enjoy.
Here are a few historical attractions to visit in the province:
Basotho Cultural Village
The Basotho Cultural Village is located at the foot of the sandstone mountains in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It is home to the beautiful and interesting community of South Sotho people.
Visiting the village grants you the opportunity to know more about the community’s history and lifestyle from the 16th century to the picturesque present. You will also be exposed to various interesting cultural aspects such as the crushing of maize and the making of traditional baskets.
Image: Melanie Van Zyl
Address: R712, Phuthaditjaba
Contact: 058 721 0300
Oliewenhuis Art Museum
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a masterpiece which was conceptualized by visionary architects, William Mollison and John Stockwing Cleland in 1935.
It adopted the name Oliewenhuis in 1972, making reference to the wild olive trees which embrace the property. By 1989, this historic building was reborn into an art museum.
Source: Facebook / @Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Upon your visit, you can enjoy a magnificent array of art pieces. One of these include the captivating African Carousel which offers a delightful blend of cultures by intertwining European and African mythologies.
Address: 16 Harry Smith St, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein
Vredefort Dome
The Vredefort Dome is at the centre of a crater formed by the impact of a large meteorite approximately 2,023 million years ago. It bears witness to the world’s greatest known single energy release event which gave rise to a number of global effects. When visiting the Vredefort Dome, you will learn more about the Earth’s geological history and the evolution of the planet.
Contact: 084 245 2490
Picture: Getaway Gallery
National Museum Bloemfontein
Dating back to the 1870s, National Museum Bloemfontein preserves natural, cultural and art history. It provides heritage resources and an enjoyable experience through conservation, quality research and exhibitions. If you’re a history buff burning with curiosity, this is a museum undoubtedly worth considering.
Address: 36 Aiwal St, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein
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