Alexandra Park - Pietermaritzburg

Alexandra Park is the flagship of Pietermaritzburg's city parks. The eighty five hectare park which was established in 1863, lies situated on a tranquil curve of the Duzi River.

The park provides cycling, soccer, hockey and swimming facilities, as well as an old style Victorian pavilion built in 1898 which has been declared a national monument, from which cricket games, concerts and various events can be viewed.

Alexandra Park is also the venue for a large annual outdoor art exhibition called Art in the Park, as well as Cars in the Park, which attracts large numbers of vintage car enthusiasts. The Oval Craft Market, an old and established market, is also held at the Park on the first Sunday of every month.

Also featured within the park is the bandstand which displays a Chinese influence in architecture. Here visitors can enjoy light meals near the Sunday Craft Market that adjoins the cricket pitch. In attempts to generate work for locals during the depression, an area of the park was allowed to be developed, and delightful rock gardens were established. A magnificent rose garden, the envy of horticulturists far and wide, is also located in the park.

Alexandra Park has become popular for evening walks, and many people can be seen making their way along the tree lined paths, or simply enjoying the scenery and tranquility while having a braai or picnic with the family.