Joanna James
Windhoek is hardly considered a tourist destination, and is, more often than not, only a gateway to the African nation. For those choosing to experience the charms of Windhoek, there awaits a host of striking buildings and monuments to add to a delightful city tour.
In the historical quarter of Windhoek, Christuskirche is, without a doubt, Windhoek's best recognisable landmark. The rather conflicting but certainly stunning combination of neo-Gothic and art nouveau styles enthral all tourists and locals alike, with the beautifully shaped stain-glass windows adding to an even more enchanting appeal. The striking landmark that has made itself something of an unofficial symbol of the metropolis is an ancient Lutheran church, which dates back to 1910, making it the oldest Lutheran church in Namibia. The impressive work of architecture by German architect Gottlieb Redecker is said to appear strangely edible, rather reminiscent of a whimsical gingerbread house — something interesting to keep in mind to see if you will reciprocate similar feelings when you lay your eyes over this spectacular masterpiece.
10 kilometres south of the city of Windhoek, away from the hustle of the bustling metropolis, is a monumental site that will take you back in time to the days of yore of the southwest African nation. Heroes' Acre, opened on 26 August 2002, is an official war memorial that commemorates the fallen heroes in the struggle for independence against colonial rule. The sanctified monumental site is meant to foster a spirit of patriotism and nationalism and stands as one of the most nationally significant landmarks.
Set alongside the famous Independence Memorial Museum in downtown Windhoek, Alte Feste boasting magnificent German architecture, is another unmissable sight on your tour of iconic buildings and monuments in the south African capital city. The fascinating museum, which invites a glimpse into the nation's Colonial history, was a German fort back in the day and served as headquarters of the imperial German Schutztruppe during the German colonisation of South West Africa.
In the vicinity of the aforementioned Alte Feste, the Independence Memorial Museum is, without a doubt, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city of Windhoek. The history museum is dedicated to the country's anti-colonial resistance and offers a glimpse into the rugged path that led the country to independence from colonial rule.
The Parliament Building, Windhoek, also known as Tintenpalast, has got to be one of the most beautiful government offices, set in one of the most pleasing settings you will ever see. Tintenpalast — which is German for "Ink Palace" — is an incredibly fitting moniker considering all the ink that is spent on typically excessive official paperwork. Vacationing tourists touring the wonderful capital city could also find some of the finest hotels in Namibia in the vicinity, including the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.
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