The inaugural event of the Sustainable Smart Cities 2026, will be held at Tuscan Rose, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

www.tuscanrose.co.za 

Bloemfontein is perched near the centre of South Africa, on the road between Cape Town in the Western Cape and Johannesburg in Gauteng.

Bloemfontein is one of the largest cities in the country, but is known for its natural prettiness and warm hospitality. Dubbed the City of Roses, there are scores of gorgeous places to see and explore in this, South Africa's judicial capital. Visitors looking for accommodation in Bloemfontein have guesthouses, B&B's, lodges and hotels from which to choose, making their South African holiday that much easier to plan.

Its name means “fountain of flowers” and it is not surprising because, in the heart of the rugged Free State Province, it is abundant in colourful rose bushes. In fact, there are more than 4 000 rose bushes planted in the gardens of Kings Park, not counting the many gorgeous blooms in gardens and along streets around the city. This is complemented by the fact that, although a big centre, Bloemfontein is relatively quiet, with a distinct lack of the usual hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Thanks to the rich history of this part of South Africa, there are beautiful historical buildings throughout the city centre. These flank the streets and showcase the classic architecture of yesteryear in graceful nostalgia. Museums dot the suburbs as a testimony to times past. They are filled to the brim with keepsakes, relics and memorabilia that tells fascinating tales.

In the heart of the city is the Franklin Game Reserve at Naval Hill. It is extremely rare to find a nature reserve right in the heart of a city, making this a very special attraction. In addition to the natural fauna and flora to be discovered within, the hill is also a fantastic vantage point from which to enjoy breath-taking views of Bloemfontein and the Free State. Hamilton Park lies at the foot of Naval Hill and is home to one of the largest collection of orchids on the planet