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Another remnant from the
19th century is the Rhenish
Mission Church (1872)
Franke tower
The Herero uprising of 1904 had a big
impact on Omaruru, even though it
was relatively short lived. During the
rebellion, Major Victor Franke of the
German colonial army freed Omaruru
from the onslaught of the Herero, and
the town’s grateful residents built the
Franke Tower in his honour in 1907. It
was inaugurated on 4 February 1908,
and in years gone by, a service was held
each year, commemorating that date.
Since the tower is such a focal point,
it is depicted on the municipal coat of
arms.
The battlefield surrounding the Franke
Tower was proclaimed a national
monument on 21 April 1972. The tower
itself, which is located on the original
battle site, was proclaimed a national
monument on 15 August 1964.
Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Mission at Omaruru
was founded in July 1906 although
work on the church only began five
months later. Under the leadership of
desIgn Namibia October - December 2013