History
Pietermaritzburg was founded in 1838 by Voortrekkers following the Battle of Blood River, and named after Piet Retief and Gert Maritz, two Voortrekker leaders. It became the capital of the short-lived Boer Republic of Natalia and then, after British annexation of Natal in 1843, the capital of the Colony of Natal. Mahatma Gandhi was famously thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg station in 1893 for refusing to move from a first-class compartment to a third-class carriage reserved for non-white passengers — an incident he later described as a turning point in his life. The University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) was established here in 1910.
What Pietermaritzburg is Known For
Pietermaritzburg is known for its remarkable collection of Victorian-era red-brick colonial architecture, including the City Hall — one of the largest red-brick buildings in the southern hemisphere — and the surrounding Legislative Assembly buildings. The Gandhi statue on Church Street commemorates his pivotal 1893 train incident. The city hosts the Comrades Marathon start every alternate year and the Dusi Canoe Marathon, two of South Africa's most iconic endurance events. The Midlands Meander craft and farm route, running through the surrounding Midlands, is one of KwaZulu-Natal's most visited leisure routes.
Key Areas & Neighbourhoods
The CBD retains its colonial Victorian streetscape, centred on Church Street and Commercial Road. Hilton and Hayfields are the most prestigious residential suburbs, with large properties on elevated sites. Scottsville hosts the University of KwaZulu-Natal campus and has a student-oriented character with coffee shops and affordable accommodation. Northdale and Woodlands are established Indian residential suburbs. Imbali and Edendale are large township areas to the west of the city housing the majority of the African population.
Economy & Industry
Pietermaritzburg's economy is anchored by provincial government administration, the university, and a modest industrial sector. The public sector — KwaZulu-Natal provincial government departments, the legislature, and associated parastatals — is the dominant employer. The university creates a secondary education economy. Manufacturing along the industrial strips includes food processing, aluminium products, and chemicals. The city serves as the commercial hub for the surrounding Midlands farming community.
Tips for Visitors & New Residents
Pietermaritzburg is approximately 80 kilometres from Durban on the N3 — about 50 minutes under normal conditions though the highway can be busy during the Comrades Marathon weekend. The city is noticeably cooler than Durban throughout the year, and overnight temperatures in winter can drop to near freezing. The Victorian city centre architecture makes a self-guided walking tour genuinely rewarding. The Midlands Meander route north of the city is best explored over a full day with a map or app to navigate between the participating farms and craft studios.