Regina Mundi
Regina Mundi
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
103 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
45
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Diana H
55 contributions
Mar 2019
A rather large church
It is a very large Catholic church in Soweto. To me it had a very cold and eery feel to it especially if you know what went on in the past. Bullet holes in the glass stained windows are a strong reminder of the horrors of the day. The museum up the stairs was stark and i felt more could have been done to it. The church in essence in my opinion would not warrant a visit would it not have had the history behind it. I am glad i saw it this once.
It is a very large Catholic church in Soweto. To me it had a very cold and eery feel to it especially if you know what went on in the past. Bullet holes in the glass stained windows are a strong reminder of the horrors of the day. The museum up the stairs was stark and i felt more could have been done to it. The church in essence in my opinion would not warrant a visit would it not have had the history behind it. I am glad i saw it this once.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy H
Charlottetown, Canada169 contributions
This church plays a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. In order to fully appreciate it I highly recommend hiring Danny as a guide. He seems to be at the church most days and is available for private tours. He is an expert in the subject matter and a charming guide.
You will see evidence of the violent struggles of the 1970s in the broken altar, bulletholes and other damage in the church.
This church has been visited by many interesting politicians including Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama.
The painting entitled "The Madonna and Child of Soweto" is also known as "The Black Madonna". It was created to raise funds for the education of black South Africans.
You will see evidence of the violent struggles of the 1970s in the broken altar, bulletholes and other damage in the church.
This church has been visited by many interesting politicians including Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama.
The painting entitled "The Madonna and Child of Soweto" is also known as "The Black Madonna". It was created to raise funds for the education of black South Africans.
Written December 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saiqua Ferdous
21 contributions
Nov 2019
A very small church ,inside there is black virgin Mary.A ldy describes about the church. you need only 15 minutes to see the church.
Written November 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,556 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
It is the largest Roman Catholic church in South Africa. It is located in Rockville, Soweto. It is often referred to as "the people's church". My family of 4 took a guided tour of this church. The guide was knowledgeable and informative. The church is beautiful. One can see the bullet marks on the ceiling reflecting the brutality from the apartheid era. One gets a better insight on the role this church played as a place of gathering for the then people of Soweto. If one has a pen, then one can sign in the register book and be recognized as a visitor alongside some famous celebrities such as Bill Clinton.
Written August 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan
Los Angeles, CA108 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
This small and modest Catholic church has seen much love and light and deep despair and sorrow. Guests from the Clintons, Obamas, Desmond Tutu, Winnie and Nelson Mandela among others have graced its doors and spoken passionately about the human spirit and capacity for love and forgiveness.
This is also the site where the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) held its hearings following the end of apartheid...granting amnesty and opportunities for forgiveness instead of continuing anger, hurt and hate. A powerful example of the our capacity to LOVE.
This is also the site where the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) held its hearings following the end of apartheid...granting amnesty and opportunities for forgiveness instead of continuing anger, hurt and hate. A powerful example of the our capacity to LOVE.
Written January 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enano F
28 contributions
You really should take the chance to listen to one of the local guides of the church. He told me a lot of great things about this church and also told me about popular people, like nelson Mandela or Michelle Obama who went to this church and he showed me the exactly place where there stood and what not. It's a visit worth!
Written January 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnFinchPhotography
Hout Bay, South Africa469 contributions
This Catholic Church opened in 1962 sheltered activists fighting the apartheid government. At one stage police opened fire on the congregants for holding a illegal gathering . Today the church is open to the public and services are still held here . Recently visit by Barrack Hussein Obama it's has enjoyed a higher profile recently .
Written October 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamsa90
London37 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
An incredible church - it has an air of history as soon as you walk in. Great photo exhibit upstairs, not to be missed.
Written April 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mame90
South Dennis, MA214 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
We weren’t really sure what to expect here as there’s a pretty mundane exterior to this church.
But get inside and listen to one of the guides tell the stories and show you where key events happened and it becomes an incredibly inspiring place.
You’ll see ongoing reminders of the struggles (bullet holes, broken marble, etc) and stand in the exact spot where Nelson Mandela once addressed those assembled there.
Definitely worth seeing!!
But get inside and listen to one of the guides tell the stories and show you where key events happened and it becomes an incredibly inspiring place.
You’ll see ongoing reminders of the struggles (bullet holes, broken marble, etc) and stand in the exact spot where Nelson Mandela once addressed those assembled there.
Definitely worth seeing!!
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,783 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
As part of our full day private tour of Johannesburg & Soweto, we thoroughly enjoyed this Catholic church that played an important role in the history of anti-Apartheid movement. It was a sanctuary to many fleeing the violence of the police. To this day, bullet holes can be seen on the ceiling.
Our guide is this elderly gentleman that have lived around to see many things; he was engaging with the participants. Explaining various areas of the church. It is actually quite large; with many beautiful stained glass panels
President Nelson Mandela established 30 November as "Regina Mundi Day" to honor the church. Some famous US visitors have stopped by: The Clintons; Michelle Obamas. It also has a painting of Black Madonna with Black Jesus.
Our guide is this elderly gentleman that have lived around to see many things; he was engaging with the participants. Explaining various areas of the church. It is actually quite large; with many beautiful stained glass panels
President Nelson Mandela established 30 November as "Regina Mundi Day" to honor the church. Some famous US visitors have stopped by: The Clintons; Michelle Obamas. It also has a painting of Black Madonna with Black Jesus.
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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