More or less in the centre of the Free State, as well as in the centre of South Africa, lies Bloemfontein; the capital of the province and also fondly known as the 'City of Roses'. Bloemfontein is the Judicial Capital of South Africa and is the sixth largest city in South Africa.
The town became part of a transport route and grew rapidly in the late 1860's with the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold on the Witwatersrand. During the Anglo-Boer war the town fell to the British as was used as a communications centre and today there are many monuments, museums and buildings which depict the history of the town.
The town is a relaxed and friendly one, offering warm hospitality and historical attractions as well as a number of excellent tertiary education institutions.
