Johannesburg - Heart Of South Africa

The city of johannesburg is the commercial as well as financial heart of South Africa. It's known by

numerous nicknames; Gauteng as well as Egoli, for example, plus they all mean "place of gold." It

was the discovery of gold that first brought settlers to this place over a hundred years ago, and also

the Western Deep gold Mine is still generating wealth.

Gold saltwater City

Just eight kms (5 miles) southern of Johannesburg is Gold Reef city , a wonderful reconstruction of

Johannesburg as it made an appearance in the 1890s whenever it was a frontier mining camp. It's

built around base 14, a gold mine that was in operation from 1887 to 1971. The amusement park here

has twenty-six rides that are just about all free of charge, but the actual attraction is gold. You can

pan for gold at Digger Joe's Prospector camp , and see an actual demonstration of gold being

poured. There are superb museums, such as gem World. Be sure to take a ride on the gold reef City

train. This park has a festive atmosphere that makes it one of the most popular attractions in South

the african continent.

A City for Art Lovers

Lovers of art may be amazed to find that one of the best art galleries in southern Africa is located in

an operational financial institution. The Standard Bank art gallery provides a showcase for both local

as well as international artists. The financial institution displays its own impressive collection of fine

pieces of art , and also hosts going to exhibits. In addition, your building is a venue for concerts and

recitals. At Joubert recreation area there are displays of historical, traditional, as well as modern

South african art. Visitors can also see displays of ceramics and statue.

Remembering Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi once lived in Johannesburg and proved helpful as a lawyer as well as civil rights

activist. Of course, this frequently got him in trouble with the Transvaal law Courts. Today a busy

downtown square that was completely renovated in 2002 is named after him. In the centre of Gandhi

Square there is a life sized sculpture of the great pacifist leader. This is probably the most trendy

shopping areas in South the african continent , with many boutiques as well as cafes, and an arcade

that hyperlinks it to Marshall Street.

Key down-town Landmark

The Carlton center is fifty storeys high, making it not only the tallest building in South the african

continent , but also the highest on the African continent. It is the key milestone of downtown

johannesburg. The Carlton center is part of a five star hotel complex. It has an underground shopping

mall with one hundred and eighty stores and several dining places. There is even an ice skating rink.

Take the elevator to the top of Africa declaration deck on the 50th floor for some magnificent

panoramic views from the city.

Turbulent History

Of course, it is difficult to think of South Africa if you don't take into consideration its violent history,

and occasions that are still in living memory. NAvigate to the Apartheid Museum to learn all about

those dark days when improper policies were a well known fact of everyday life. The actual displays

of photographs and artifacts within are powerful memory joggers of a courageous struggle against

oppression. The old Prison Complex on Constitution Hill, and also the South African national Museum

of military History are also important points of interest for history buffs visiting johannesburg. lawyers in Costa Rica