Constitution Hill

The headquarters of South Africa’s Constitution Court, Constitution Hill was a former fort and a prison before being transformed into an important judicial seat. Nestled between the districts of Braamfontein and Hillbrow, it is one of the most popular sights in Johannesburg. The ‘Flame of Democracy’ stands gracefully in the centre of the plaza outside the building and was lit in 2012 to mark the 15th anniversary of the singing of the country’s Constitution. The Hill essentially is an embodiment of the country’s tragic past and its progress after the abolishment of Apartheid.
While the prison site was known for its brutality and eminent inmates like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, the transformation of the Awaiting Trial Block into the present-day court was an emblem of the success of freedom struggle. Permanent museum exhibitions inside the old prison blocks include corroborations by former prisoners and even jailers. Constitution Hill, interestingly also has a perennial art collection which is open to all visitors. You can book a guided tour for a better understanding of its history and once you’re done with your visit, head over to the nearby Hill Cafe for beer and chips.