Arcadia

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Arcadia is one of the older residential suburbs of Pretoria. Travelling east along Church Street and across the Apies river you will find yourself being enchanted by the leafy avenues, quite parks and discreet shopping complexes.

Historically has much to offer the tourist. To the north a majestic sweep of extensive, well manicured lawns and gardens lead up towards Meintjieskop and the Union Buildings. This imposing sandstone edifice is the seat of government in South Africa and one of the leading tourist attractions in the area. The Union Buildings, built in 1910, are considered the crowning achievement of British architect Sir Herbert Baker. Bakers' architectural style is synonymous with South Africa and many of the houses and public buildings he designed still grace the streets of Arcadia where they are used as embassies, private residences and restaurants.

The fabulous Pretoria Art Museum, which is well worth a visit, can be found a short walk from the Union Buildings, on Park Street. This Mid-Century Modernist building is set in extravagant parklands and boasts of a collection embracing most South African artists from the sculptor Anton van Vouw to the more modern works of amongst others, Bettie Celliers Barnard, Irma Stern, Walter Battis and Alexis Preller. The gallery enjoys a full annual programme of lectures, workshops and exhibitions and is also a venue for local and international touring exhibitions. (A full programme of events is available.)

For the sports enthusiast no visit to Arcadia would be complete without stopping off at Loftus Versveld. Arguably the most famous of all South African sports stadiums Loftus Versfeld is home to the Bull Bulls rugby team. Loftus Versfeld hosts both national and international rugby and soccer fixtures throughout the year.

Up-market malls and speciality boutiques offer an irresistible shopping experience, and when you have shopped till you drop, you can catch a movie or drop in on one of the many interesting restaurants, specializing in South African as well as international cuisine.