Church Square was founded in 1855 and serves as the historical centre of Pretoria. The square was originally used for market and church purposes and at one stage served as a sports field. The square is surrounded by many architecturally and historically important buildings such as the Palace of Justice which was the scene of the Rivonia Treason Trial in which Nelson Mandela was sentenced to prison.

In 1954 the bronze statue of Paul Kruger was placed in the middle of the square and stands there to this day, surrounded by four statues of anonymous Boer soldiers. Parades occur every Wednesday from 09:30 to 10:30 in the square. The procession is led by members of the National Ceremonial Guard and are accompanied by a military band.