The Campanile Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours &

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The Campanile- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; South Africa; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 1 hours

The Campanile Memorial in Gqeberha is a 50 metre tall bell tower erected between 1920 and 1922 to commemorate the arrival of the 1820 Settlers at Algoa Bay, marking the city's origins. Designed by Jones & McWilliams in an Italianate Renaissance style echoing Venice's St Mark's Campanile and built with locally quarried materials, its solid brick and stone construction reflects both architectural harmony and historical intent. The tower's foundation stone was laid by Prince Arthur in April 1921, and its 204‑step spiral staircase and harbour-facing observation rooms offer views of the port from about 52 metres above street level. Inside sits South Africa's largest carillon, a set of 23 bells installed in 1936 from Gillett and Johnston, with the largest weighing nearly four tonnes; these bells resonate daily via a computerized electro‑mechanical system and illuminate corresponding "ghost" clock markers as they chime. Recent restorations introduced interactive exhibits—visitors can trigger melodies using a console—and the 67th step is marked to begin Route 67, linking the Campanile to Nelson Mandela's legacy and a public art trail that traces the city's democratic evolution . With modern accessibility features including a lift with a viewing window, the Campanile remains a richly layered landmark blending settler-era memory, civic art, and panoramic coastal vistas.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Gqeberha

Donkin Reserve

3.2

Kragga Kamma Game Park

4.2

AutoPavilion

4.8

South African Air Force Museum

4.8

South End Museum

4.6

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

4.6

St. George's Park

4.4

Route 67

Reviews of The Campanile

Barry Lamprecht

3
Reviewed: 2025-01-14

Was a great experience, even though the lift doesn't work and the bells haven't wrung in many years. Beautifull view from the top. Pitty it's not maintained better and we can do better to market such an historic landmark.
Corné Lamprecht

4
Reviewed: 2025-01-07

The 50m high Campanile Memorial has a climb of 204 steps that takes one to the Observation Room, offering a magnificent view of the harbor and surroundings, more than 52m above the city.
hilton johnson

2
Reviewed: 2023-08-18

Not a safe place. Area looks run down, and sometimes lots of unsavory looking people sitting and sleeping at the parking area. The harbor security didn't want me to park with the other vehicles outside the harbor entrance. Looks like part of the historic train station has been burned down. Lift in the Campanile doesn't work, and the bells also doesn't work. Some of the art pieces have been torn apart insidetheCampanile.
Norman John Visser

5
Reviewed: 2022-06-28

Built to commemorate the arrival of the 1820 Settlers, this monument in the heart of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, down near the entrance to the Harbour, is an iconic part of Port Elizabeth's history. It is open to the public and it was beautifully revamped in 2017. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this is worth a visit, it has 204 steps, dyand just over 50 metres tall and is easy to climb. The views from the top are absolutely magical. The information and art within the monument is thought-provoking and very well planned. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this special monument to a very special group of humans who contributed richly to our country's history.
Nikki Moutsatsos

5
Reviewed: 2021-04-29

Built to commemorate the landing of the settlers in 1820. 204 steps lead to magnificent views of the Harbour and railway lines. Step 67 contains a silver plaque to honor Nelson Mandela and the 67 years he devoted towards a democratic South Africa. Each landing has areas of additional interest and has a feeling of a mini art gallery or museum. Budget friendly as entrance is free. The staff are very friendly and helpful. A hidden gem.