Bloemfontein: Discover South Africa's City of Roses and Judicial Capital

Bloemfontein, often referred to as the 'City of Roses', is a unique blend of judicial significance and natural beauty. As the judicial capital of South Africa and the home to the Supreme Court of Appeals, Bloemfontein holds a significant place in the country's legal framework. However, it's not all about law and order in this city. Bloemfontein, the sixth-largest city in South Africa, is also renowned for its stunning gardens and the 4000 rose bushes that adorn Kings Park.

Despite being located in an arid region characterized by grasslands and the encroaching Karoo desert, Bloemfontein stands out with its lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The city's name, translated from Dutch, means 'fountain of flowers' or 'flower spring', although the true origins of this poetic name remain a mystery.

Bloemfontein has been the birthplace of many notable personalities, including JRR Tolkien, the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The city also boasts a rich sporting culture, with the Free State Rugby Union's team, known as the Cheetahs, competing in the annual Currie Cup tournaments. The city's Free State Stadium, which seats 40,911 spectators, is the home ground for the Cheetahs and the local football club, Bloemfontein Celtic.

Bloemfontein is not just about traditional sports. The city has embraced the unusual sport of soaring, an aerial sport of gliding where pilots use their skills and air streams to remain airborne. Motorsport also enjoys popularity in the city.

For history enthusiasts, Bloemfontein, established in 1846, offers a plethora of historical buildings to explore. The Loch Logan Waterfront offers excellent shopping and dining options, while the Windmill Casino provides an exciting way to spend an afternoon. The Maselspoort Resort, located alongside the Modder River, offers a range of activities and accommodation options. For families, the Bloemfontein Zoo and the model steam engines of Modenso Park are must-visit attractions.

Bloemfontein is a city of significance and beauty, a place where judicial importance meets natural splendor. Whether you're a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or a nature lover, Bloemfontein has something to offer everyone.

Five interesting facts about Bloemfontein

• The African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party of South Africa, was founded in Bloemfontein in 1912.
• During the Second Anglo-Boer War (also called the South African War), one of the largest concentration camps was located in Bloemfontein where it is estimated that 45 000 people perished, many of them women and children. Today the National Women’s Memorial just outside the city serves as a reminder of this great tragedy.
• The Free State is known as South Africa’s bread basket, as 70% of the country’s grain is produced in the region.
• Thanks to desertification, climatologists have noted that the semi-arid Karoo desert is slowly encroaching on Bloemfontein.
• The Mangaung Fire Station Museum at Ehrlich Park fire station in Bloemfontein is a great family day out and has vintage fire engines, cars, and fireman’s equipment that date back to 1926. It is the only fire station museum in the Southern Hemisphere.