MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

City Hall

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The colonial style Port Elizabeth City Hall is located on Vuyisile Mini Square (Formerly known as Market Square) in the city centre. Port Elizabeth’s City Hall was built between 1858 and 1862 with the clock tower added on later in 1883. The City Hall was proclaimed a national monument under the old National Monuments Council (NMC) legislation on 29 November 1974. It houses a council chamber and concert/lecture hall.

Also in the Square – close to City Hall – is a replica of the Diaz Cross, donated by the Portuguese Government to commemorate the arrival of Bartholomew Diaz in Algoa Bay in 1488. Adjacent to the City Hall stands the small Prester John Memorial, dedicated to the mythical king-priest and the Portuguese explorers who “discovered” South Africa. The monument, which was unveiled in 1986 by the Portuguese Ambassador, is believed to be the only monument in the world depicting Prester John.

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Close to the City Hall is the even older Public Library (built 1835), an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its striking terra-cotta facade was manufactured in England and re-assembled, piece by piece, on the present site. The entrance to the Public Library is guarded over by a statue of Queen Victoria.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.