Cullinan #HeritageTourism



Cullinan

Location of Cullinan in South Africa!



Located on the outskirts of the capital of South Africa, in the Metsweding region in the Gauteng province, Cullinan is among the small towns in South Africa that made a huge difference to the South Africa we know and love today. Established in 1898 by Sir Thomas Cullinan the town originated due to the rich-diamond fields that are situated in the mountains surrounding the Cullinan area- some of the mines still in use today! Like Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Cullinan offers its existence to the diamond-mines that were built in the surrounding area. A small town with a shiny heart- offers tourists from all ages and walks of life a unique South African experience.  





Another key factor of the towns popularity among tourist- is the fact that the town has provided some of the world’s most famous diamonds that include the Niarchos-, the Centenary-, Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton-and the Cullinan Diamonds. The town was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan and his surname, was used to name the most famous gem that was found in the mines. The Cullinan Diamond was founded in 1905 in the Premier Mine, this 3 106 carats (621g) diamond was bought by the then English-government of South Africa and offered to King Edward VII as a token of gratitude. Today this magnificent gem is one of many gems featured in the ‘Crown Jewels’ that can be seen in the United Kingdom.







The Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton Diamond!



The Cullinan Diamond from the rough to the worlds most valuable gem! This diamond was found in the Premier Mine in 1905...



The Premier Mine today...



The Cullinan Diamond is among many gems, displayed in the 'Crown Jewels' that can be seen in the United Kingdom...



Some cultural attractions in Cullinan worth visiting includes- the National Culture Historical Museum, which gives an in-depth look into the history of the town, large exhibitions of replicas of these world renowned diamonds can also be seen in this museum. Other “culture-vulture” places include the St. Georges Anglican Church built by Lady Cullinan and Sir Herbert Baker (The same person who built the Union Building in South Africa’s capital) and the Sammy Marks Museum which show-cases the residence of this well renowned sculpture in South African history. Another tourist attraction is the McHardy House Museum. This museum is the oldest house in Cullinan and the décor in the house showcases the time period in which William McHardy (first general of the Premier Mine where the Cullinan Diamond was found in 1905) lived.



The St. Georges Anglican Church...






Sammy Marks (1844-1920) a renowned sculpture in South African history...



The Sammy Marks Museum!



William McHardy holding the Cullinan Diamond in 1905!



The McHardy House Museum, the oldest house in Cullinan...





The McHardy House Mueum showcases the time period in which the first general of the Premier Mine lived!



For nature-lovers the area located in the Highveld of Southern Africa, offers a diverse range of game reserves and safari-camps that can be visited. These include the Somabula Nature Reserve, Little Eden, Windy Brow Game Reserve and the Premier Game Reserve, also known as the Prince of Parks. All these reserves are fully equipped with accommodation facilities and walking trails through the park, were tourist area given the opportunity to explore these reserves on their own time. These game reserves also have unique bird-watching facilities!






The Somabula Nature Reserve, located near Cullinan in the Highveld of South Africa!



The Windy Brow Game Reserve, where tourist are given the opportunity to explore the reserve on specially designed walking trails...



Little Eden!



The Premier Game Reserve, also known as the Prince of Parks!



All of the above game reserves and safari-camps have unique bird-watching facilities.



Other exiting activities to experience in Cullinan is a visit to the Diamond Hub and a visit to an original mine that was used, in the search of diamonds, during the 1900’s. These mine-tours takes you through the whole process of going down into the mine and seeing first-hand what miners were exposed to searching for these precious gems! Accompanied by experienced tour guides these mines also explain why Cullinan was such a “hotspot” in the search of diamonds!



Tourists can experience original mines that were used, in the search of diamonds in the 1900's!

I would recommend Cullinan for everyone- looking for a quite get away from the city for a getaway weekend! Definitely a town worth visiting with its friendly people and history around every street corner…

 

Till next time…

C.R.