Campanile

The Campanile is a tall bell tower in central Gqeberha, built to commemorate the 1820 Settlers at the spot where they are said to have landed. It stands on Strand Street by the entrance to the railway station and docks. Climb it for the view over the harbour and Algoa Bay, and for a quick lesson in how the city began.

What to expect

A spiral staircase of 204 steps leads to the observation room near the top. If stairs are not an option, there is a lift with a window looking out over the harbour. The tower holds a 23-bell carillon from the bell founders Gillett and Johnston, hung in 1936, and most of the bells were paid for by descendants of settler families. An interactive organ lets visitors play the bells, and there are small art displays inside. The architect was William John McWilliams; the foundation stone went down in April 1921 and the tower was officially opened on 6 November 1923.

Practical details

• Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm, according to the city tourism office.
• Address: Strand Street, at the entrance to the station and docks, central Gqeberha.
• Route 67, named for Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service, starts at the Campanile.

Good to know

Hours at municipal sites can change at short notice, so confirm with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism before making a special trip. Bells are rung on a computerised system now, so check at reception when they are next due if you want to hear them up close.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, The Heritage Portal.