BBC News did a feature article on Africa’s Iconic Architecture to highlight some of the incredible buildings on the continent; South Africa featured twice.
South Africa (12 October 2021) – Celebrated architecture around the world includes marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal and St Basil’s Cathedral, to name just some.
When people think of African architecture, the pyramids are the first that come to mind. However, they are not the only examples of excellent and astounding buildings on the African continent. Architectural Digest listed the 50 most iconic buildings globally, and the Pyramids were the only feature from Africa. BBC News decided to delve into African architecture and listed 12 iconic builds.
Of the twelve featured buildings, two South African buildings were featured too! The list is made up of innovative, iconic and historic buildings.
- Kasubi Tombs, Uganda – 1882
- Lideta Market, Ethiopia – 2017
- Hikma Complex, Niger – 2018
- Maropeng Visitors’ Centre, South Africa – 2006
- Pyramids of Meroë, Sudan – 3,000BC
- Basotho Houses, Lesotho – date unknown
- Kenneth Dike Library, Nigeria – 1954
- Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali – 13th Century
- Palace of Emperor Fasilides, Ethiopia – early 17th Century
- Dominican Chapel, Nigeria -1973
- Great Mosque, Benin – 1912-1935
- Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, South Africa – 2009
Maropeng Visitors’ Centre
The Maropeng Visitors’ Centre can be found in the Gauteng province of South Africa. It is the entrance to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site.
The centre is an award-winning, world-class exhibition showcasing the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Some of the notable collections include “Australopithecus sediba in 2008”, “Homo naledi in 2013”, and the complete “Little Foot skeleton in 2017”.
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Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre
The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre is located at the very top of South Africa, in the Limpopo province. It is the centre that celebrates the first trading kingdom in Southern Africa.
The centre was awarded the World Architectural Building of the Year Award in 2009. It is also listed as a World Heritage Site. The museum exhibits several historical artefacts showcasing Mapungubwe’s history. The standout exhibit is the Golden Rhino which was discovered in a grave in 1932. It was found more than seven centuries after civilization inhabited the area.
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Have you been to see either of these World Heritage Sites?
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