As South Africa's judicial capital, Bloemfontein has become known through the years as "the central city", "the Hospitable city", "the congress city", "the total city", and "the city of roses". All these designations indicate that it is a city in which not only residents but also visitors and tourists can feel truly at home and welcome. With it's more than 260 000 inhabitants, Bloemfontein offers adequate recreational and entertainment facilities which include public parks, swimming pools, sports fields, a game reserve and a zoo. Bloemfontein has created a true blend in which somehow the past, the present and the future have been encapsulated. What keeps the past so alive is the unobtrusive and almost natural inclusion of an impressive architectural and historical heritage into the very life of a modern developing city. Graceful charm is to be seen all along the historical, tree-lined President Brand Street, declared a national monument. Stately museum buildings stand proudly visible at the ends of bustling main streets in the business district, while small monuments and memorials, almost unnoticeable, are preserved in built-up suburbs. A variety of attractions await the visitor to this friendly city - from the unique blend of gracious old world charm to ultra modern high tech sophistication.