Architecture
Old Fort - Stone ramparts and punishment cells where thousands were detained. Women's Jail - Interactive exhibition on the female prisoners who defied apartheid. Constitutional Court - The building itself is a work of art, incorporating prison materials and 27 artworks commissioned from South African artists. Number Four - The notorious black men's prison block with its bleak communal cells
When to Visit
Daily: 9 AM - 5 PM. Court sessions: Public gallery open when court is in session (advance notice on the Court's website). Best: Weekday mornings when groups are smaller and guides can take more time
Admission and Costs
General entry: R100 ($6) adults, R50 children. Guided tour (1.5 hours): R250 per person. Private heritage tour including Constitution Hill: R1,500-2,500
Tips for Visitors
Combine with the Apartheid Museum: A Constitution Hill morning and Apartheid Museum afternoon makes for a powerful day. Art lovers: The Constitutional Court art collection alone is worth the visit; guides explain the symbolism in each piece. Wear comfortable shoes: The site covers multiple buildings on uneven ground across a large hilltop precinct. Free on Heritage Day: September 24 offers free entry as part of South Africa's Heritage Day celebrations. Cafe and bookshop: Take time for the bookshop stocked with South African constitutional law and history titles
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is recommended for visiting Constitution Hill?
March through May and September through November are the most comfortable months, with mild Highveld temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius that make walking between the outdoor prison blocks and indoor Constitutional Court pleasant. The site is largely exposed, so the summer rains from November through February can interrupt outdoor portions of the tour with sudden afternoon thunderstorms. South Africa's Constitution Day on December 10 and Human Rights Day on March 21 occasionally bring special events and commemorations.
When can visitors tour Constitution Hill?
Daily: 9 AM - 5 PM. Court sessions: Public gallery open when court is in session (advance notice on the Court's website). Best: Weekday mornings when groups are smaller and guides can take more time
How much is the entrance fee for Constitution Hill?
General entry: R100 ($6) adults, R50 children. Guided tour (1.5 hours): R250 per person. Private heritage tour including Constitution Hill: R1,500-2,500
What should visitors know before visiting Constitution Hill?
Combine with the Apartheid Museum: A Constitution Hill morning and Apartheid Museum afternoon makes for a powerful day. Art lovers: The Constitutional Court art collection alone is worth the visit; guides explain the symbolism in each piece.