Government House, Suva

State House
The State House, viewed from Queen Elizabeth Drive
Map
Former namesGovernment House
Alternative namesPresidential Palace
General information
TypeOfficial residence
Architectural styleGeorgian
AddressQueen Elizabeth Drive
Town or citySuva
CountryFiji
Coordinates18°09′07″S 178°25′34″E / 18.151892°S 178.426140°E / -18.151892; 178.426140
Current tenantsWiliame Katonivere, President of Fiji
Completed1928
ClientColony of Fiji
OwnerGovernment of Fiji

The State House (formerly known as the Government House) is the official residence of the president of Fiji.

History

The present Georgian mansion was built in 1928 to replace the original building - the residence of the colonial governor - which burnt to the ground after being struck by lightning in 1921.[1] The first Government House was built in the early 1880s (after the capital moved in Suva) that consisted of two small wood-frame buildings.[2][3][4]

From 1970 to 1987, Government House was the official residence of the governor-general, and became the presidential residence in 1987 after two military coups resulted in the proclamation of a republic.[5]

Location

The residence is located south of Fiji Museum, with the main entrance on Queen Elizabeth Drive, near the Great Council of Chiefs complex.

The building is closed to the public, but a highlight of tourist visits to Suva is the changing of the guard ceremony during the first week of each month. The guards are staffed by members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.[6]

The building should not be confused with the Government Buildings to the north on the same street (Victoria Parade).

  • West elevation, 2015
    West elevation, 2015

See also

References

  1. ^ "GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT SUVA". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 28, 254. New South Wales, Australia. 25 July 1928. p. 16. Retrieved 26 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ "Government House, Nasova, Fiji 4-9 Sep 1881". The Royal Collection Trust. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  3. ^ "STRUCK BY LIGHTNING". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 25, 973. New South Wales, Australia. 4 April 1921. p. 8. Retrieved 26 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "FIJI DIGNITY". The Daily Telegraph. No. 13264. New South Wales, Australia. 14 November 1921. p. 11. Retrieved 26 January 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ natlib.govt.nz https://natlib.govt.nz/records/38107007#:~:text=Official%20residence%20of%20the%20President,struck%20by%20lightning%20in%201921. Retrieved 2024-10-14. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Presidential Palace". Experience Suva. Suva City Council. Retrieved 26 January 2018.