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Constitution Hill Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

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Hidden Gems (EN)

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Local Insights (EN)

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Photo Opportunity (EN)

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Practical Information (EN)

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0 Reviews

1. Constitution Hill is a historical site in Johannesburg, South Africa that holds great significance in the country’s history. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the city and has witnessed various periods of South Africa’s past, including colonial times, the apartheid era, and the development of democracy.

One of the most interesting facts about Constitution Hill is that it was formerly used as a prison complex. It housed many prominent political activists and freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Today, the site is a symbol of South Africa’s journey to democracy and houses the Constitutional Court, the highest court in the country.

The Constitution Hill site consists of various buildings, each with its own historical significance. The Old Fort Prison Complex is the oldest building on the site and was used as a prison from the late 1800s until the 1980s. It has been preserved and showcases the harsh conditions in which prisoners were kept. The Women’s Jail, built in the 1900s, housed female political prisoners during the apartheid era. The Number Four prison section specifically held black male prisoners during apartheid.

2. Constitution Hill is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The site can be contacted at +27 11 381 3100 for further information.

3. Ticket information and transportation:

- Admission tickets for Constitution Hill can be purchased at the entrance or online. Prices may vary, and it is recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.

- Constitution Hill is accessible by car, and there is a secure parking area available on-site. The site is also accessible by public transportation, with various bus routes and train stations nearby. It is advisable to check local transport schedules and options when planning a visit.

11 Kotze St., Braamfontein

as if describing it to a blind visitor.

[Sound of footsteps echoing in the empty corridors]

As you step onto the hallowed grounds of Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, a wave of solemnity washes over you. The history of this place is palpable in the air, the weight of past injustices hangs heavy. You can almost hear the whispers of the freedom fighters who once walked these same paths, their quiet resilience still resonating in the walls.

Walking through the Old Fort, you can feel the cold stone walls pressing in around you, a tangible reminder of the harsh conditions that prisoners endured. The musty smell of damp earth and old leather mingles in the air, creating a sensory overload that transports you back in time. You can almost taste the bitterness of oppression, seeping through the cracks in the walls.

As you stand in the Awaiting Trial Block, you can sense the despair that once filled this space. The tiny cells feel suffocating, the narrow beds a stark reminder of the loss of freedom. The sound of metal bars clanging shut reverberates through your bones, a chilling reminder of the brutality that once reigned here.

But amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. In the Women’s Gaol, the walls are adorned with colorful murals, a stark contrast to the drab surroundings. The voices of the women who once found solace in art echo through the corridors, their resilience and defiance still lingering in the air.

As you stand in the Constitutional Court, the warmth of sunlight streaming in through the windows envelops you, a stark contrast to the coldness of the past. The voices of justice ring out, a reminder that out of the darkness, light can still shine through. The sound of the gavel striking the bench is a symbol of progress, of a brighter future forged through struggle and sacrifice.

And as you leave Constitution Hill, you carry with you a piece of its history, a piece of its pain and its triumphs. The emotions stirred within you are a testament to the power of this place, a place where the echoes of the past can still be heard, but where the promise of a better tomorrow lingers in the air.

At Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, audio descriptive guides are available to ensure accessibility for visitors with visual impairments. In addition, sensory-friendly hours are available to accommodate visitors who may benefit from a quieter and less stimulating environment. These measures help ensure that all individuals can fully enjoy and experience the historical significance of Constitution Hill.

Constitution Hill in Johannesburg holds a significant place in South Africa’s history as a site of both oppression and redemption. Local writers and artists have been drawn to this complex and layered place, using their craft to explore and interpret its past and present.

Thandiwe Msebenzi, a Johannesburg-based writer, reflects on the weight of history that hangs over Constitution Hill. "This place is a reminder of the injustices of the past, but also a symbol of the resilience and strength of those who fought against it," she says. "As a writer, I feel compelled to honor those stories and voices that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives."

Visual artist Sipho Mabona has used his art to delve into the contradictions of Constitution Hill. "It’s a place of contradictions, where pain and hope coexist," he explains. "Through my paintings, I try to capture the layers of emotion and history that are embedded in this place."

For Themba Khumalo, a poet and performer, Constitution Hill is a stage for storytelling and remembrance. "I have performed at events held at Constitution Hill, using poetry to connect with the audience and evoke the spirits of those who have walked these grounds before us," he shares. "It’s a powerful experience to stand in a place that holds so much meaning for our country."

Through their art and writing, these local creatives bring a unique perspective to Constitution Hill, shedding light on its complexities and inviting others to engage with its history and significance. Their work adds depth and richness to the conversations surrounding this iconic site, ensuring that its stories are not forgotten.

### Directions and Transportation:

#### By Car:

- Address:

11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa

- GPS Coordinates:

-26.1922° S, 28.0407° E

- Parking:

Secure parking is available on-site at Constitution Hill.

- Accessibility:

Wheelchair access is available throughout the site, including ramps and elevators.

#### By Public Transport:

- Gautrain:

Take the Gautrain to Park Station, then catch a taxi or walk to Constitution Hill.

- Bus:

Several bus routes pass near Constitution Hill, or you can take a taxi from the nearest bus stop.

- Accessibility:

The Gautrain and some bus services are accessible for wheelchair users.

### Ticket Booking and Discounts:

- Booking:

Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket office or booked online through their official website.

- Discounts:

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for current offers.

### Local Amenities:

#### Parking:

- On-Site Parking:

Secure parking is available at Constitution Hill for a fee.

#### Restrooms:

- Facilities:

Restrooms are available on-site, including accessible options.

#### Dining:

- Options:

There is a café on-site offering a variety of refreshments and light snacks.

- Dietary Needs:

The café may cater to various dietary needs, but options may be limited. It’s recommended to inquire on-site for specific requirements.

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