During the renovation of the Campanile bells, the original clappers were replaced with more modern ones that could "reset" to ring the bells a lot faster. The old clappers have been renovated themselves and have been put on display on one of the levels as you go up the tower.
Author: Jonker Fourie - Firefly the Travel Guy
Export cars on the PE Harbour
Looking down onto the harbour from the Campanile observation deck, one just can't help but wonder where in the world these cars are being exported to.
A Carillon of bells in the Port Elizabeth Campanile
At the top of the Campanile there is a glass trapdoor you can actually see the bells through. I was lucky enough to go on a tour up the Campanile with somebody from the Mandela Bay Development Agency who was in charge of the renovations and he opened the door for me and allowed me to … Continue reading A Carillon of bells in the Port Elizabeth Campanile
The Public Library renovation finally got going
The historic Port Elizabeth Public Library in the city centre has been closed to the public for over three years now with promises of renovations but excuses of no budget. Well, if you had to pass the library today you won't be able to see the scene in the photo. It is because the library … Continue reading The Public Library renovation finally got going
Campanile Frieze and Wall of Texts
If you started a walk along Route 67 at the Campanile then the Campanile Frieze and Wall of Texts would be one of the first art pieces you'll see. Both of these are done by artist Mkhonto Gwazela. The frieze at the top celebrates the indigenous heritage of Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape … Continue reading Campanile Frieze and Wall of Texts
The Port Elizabeth harbour wall
The Port Elizabeth harbour achieved "port" status for the first time in 1825, long before a proper harbour even existed. Back then a harbour master was appointed to regulate and oversee the offloading of ships anchored offshore with goods and people being brought to shore in rowboats. An official surfboat service was established in 1836 … Continue reading The Port Elizabeth harbour wall
Nr 7 Castle Hill historical museum
One of Port Elizabeth's favorite museums is No 7 Castle Hill. The history of the building goes right back to the early days of Port Elizabeth with Rev. Francis McCleland building it as his parsonage and family home in 1825. The house is one of the oldest remaining dwelling houses in Port Elizabeth and is … Continue reading Nr 7 Castle Hill historical museum
St Mary’s front on Govan Mbeki Road
Anybody who knows Port Elizabeth and has been down to Govan Mbeki Road (Main Street) in the city centre, would know St Mary's Anglican Cathedral near the Public Library. But not just know it. Also be aware of the old United Building Society building that stands on the corner in front of it blocking a proper … Continue reading St Mary’s front on Govan Mbeki Road
Around the Cape in a motorbike sidecar
One of my South African travel bucket list items I got to tick off during 2017 was going on a motorcycle sidecar tour in the Cape. A visit to a conference in Stellenbosch had the opportunity arise to join a tour from Spier via Strand and Gordon's Bay as far as the Stoney Point penguin … Continue reading Around the Cape in a motorbike sidecar
Capt Francis Evatt’s gravestone
On a walk along Route 67 the other day I popped into St Mary's Cathedral and was reminded that the original gravestone of Captain Francis Evatt was located in the entrance area of the church. Something a lot of people probably didn't know. Captain Evatt was commander of Fort Frederick from 1817 until his death in 1850 … Continue reading Capt Francis Evatt’s gravestone
Firefly the Travel Guy 