South Africa can keep up with many first-world countries across the globe when it comes to architecture. Our country boasts several iconic buildings and structures, from ultra-modern to contemporary and historical, South Africa has a myriad of buildings and landmarks to marvel at.
If you have a keen eye for the arts or appreciate architecture, here are few you need to tick off your list.
1. Diamond Building, Johannesburg
This unique skyscraper was built in 1984, designed by architect Helmut Jahn and stands 80 metres tall. Designed to look like a diamond, the building reflects the city from every angle of the building and houses the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
2. Bosjes Chapel, Wellington
This inspiring structure in the Cape Boland is an aesthetically pleasing experssion of creativity and design. The glass-walled chapel, which features a rounded roof and overlooks a pond, was designed by Steyn Studio in London and is a much-coveted wedding venue.
3. The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
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The Palace of the Lost City (Дворец Затерянного города) бесспорно является одним из лучших отелей мира. Его название очень точно передает саму суть – «Дворец». Он действительно поражает своей фантастической, сказочной роскошью и выглядит как совершенное воплощение мечты. Во внешней архитектуре Дворца доминируют высокие башни, фигуры животных, выгравированные в камне и слоновьи бивни. Отель окружает 25 гектаров ботанических джунглей с многочисленными дорожками, каскадами, озерами, бассейнами и более полутора миллионами различных растений, деревьев и кустарников. Вся флора делится на 4 основных вида: орнаментовый лес с экзотическими фруктовыми деревьями; влажный тропический лес, сухой местный лес и пальмовый лес рядом с бассейном. Во внутреннем дворике отеля находится бронзовая модель самого известного слона Африки – Короля Крюгер Парка – Шаву, отлитая в его натуральную величину (4,5 метра). Внутри отель поражает еще больше. Когда попадаешь в его огромный холл с высокими потолками (25 метров), то действительно оказываешься во дворце. Инкрустированное дерево, дорогие восточные ковры, пальмы, фрески, фарфор, резная мебель – все очень дорогое и очень изысканное. В ресторанах – серебряные приборы, картины известных современных мастеров. Вся мебель в номерах – ручной работы, даже двери и ручки выполнены вручную. Полы устланы дорогими коврами, сотканными по специальным заказам. #юар #travel #trip #lostcity #thepalaceofthelostcity #southafrica #путешествия #отдых #go2africa #африка #hotel @go2africa
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The luxury waterpark and resort in Rustenburg is many a South African’s favourite holiday spot. This 5-star establishment was designed by Bild Architects, first opened in 1992 and was inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom. The domed ceiling rises 25m above floor level and measures 16m in diameter, and the roof of the Crystal Court with its 29m roof span, which has to support five floors of suites above it, was tricky to construct but the finished product is marvelous.
4. Pineapple House, Bathurst
Officially the largest artificial pineapple in the world, the 16.7-metre-tall building is a tribute to the pineapple crops that were harvested in Bathurst after farmers struggled to grow any crops until they planted pineapples in the 1960s. It was later constructed by members of Bathurst’s agricultural community in the 1980s. It houses a gift shop and an observation deck that offers 360° views of the surrounding farmlands.
5. Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
This iconic landmark was designed by German studio GMP Architekten for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and took just over 33 months to complete. The stadium has since been used for many major sporting events and has a capacity of 68,000 people over three tiers.
Image: Instagram/Handassat
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