Vuyisile Mini Square (Market Square)
Location
Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth > Central
Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth > Central
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Description
Vuyisile Mini Square (Market Square), situated in the heart of the Gqeberha's town centre, stands as a historical icon revealing the rich heritage of this coastal town. It houses the colonial-style City Hall, dating back to the mid-1800s, with a clock tower added in 1883. Recognized as a National Monument in 1973, the City Hall holds significance in the town's architectural history. The square also hosts the unique Prester John Memorial, the world's only tribute to this Christian king and patriarch. Another notable feature is a replica of the Diaz Cross, commemorating Bartholomew Diaz's arrival in Algoa Bay in 1488.
Adjacent to Vuyisile Mini Square is the impressive public library, boasting a massive marble statue of Queen Victoria. Originally constructed in 1835 as a courthouse, the library showcases the Gothic-Victorian architecture prevalent during that era.
The Campanile, a bell tower located just south of Vuyisile Mini Square, stands at a towering height of more than 53 meters, featuring 204 stairs that visitors are encouraged to climb for breathtaking views.
The Vuyisile Mini Square (previously Market Square) is probably the most significant urban space in the City. Originally the landing beach was nearby and much of the goods arriving at or leaving from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) did so via Market Square. The Square became the focal point for the buying and selling of goods by the local and district farmers. At one time a bell was placed in Market Square and was rung daily at market time; being located in the heart of the settlement, the bell also served as a fire alarm.
Vuyisile Mini was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa. He was born in 1920 and became involved in political activism, advocating for the rights of black South Africans. Mini was also a trade unionist and played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid.
Unfortunately, Vuyisile Mini was arrested in 1963, and in 1964, he was executed by the apartheid government. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression.
The Campanile, a bell tower located just south of Vuyisile Mini Square, stands at a towering height of more than 53 meters, featuring 204 stairs that visitors are encouraged to climb for breathtaking views.
The Vuyisile Mini Square (previously Market Square) is probably the most significant urban space in the City. Originally the landing beach was nearby and much of the goods arriving at or leaving from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) did so via Market Square. The Square became the focal point for the buying and selling of goods by the local and district farmers. At one time a bell was placed in Market Square and was rung daily at market time; being located in the heart of the settlement, the bell also served as a fire alarm.
Vuyisile Mini was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa. He was born in 1920 and became involved in political activism, advocating for the rights of black South Africans. Mini was also a trade unionist and played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid.
Unfortunately, Vuyisile Mini was arrested in 1963, and in 1964, he was executed by the apartheid government. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression.
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Latitude : -33° 57' 43.39" S | Longitude : 25° 37' 24.59" E
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