The Market Square in the heart of the Port Elizabeth town centre is a historical icon that reveals much about this old coastal town. It is home to the City Hall, which is colonial in style and dates back to the mid-1800’s. Its clock tower was added in 1883, and the entire structure was named a National Monument in 1973. The Prester John Memorial is also located on the square and is the world’s only memorial to this Christian king and patriarch. There is also a replica of the famous Diaz Cross, which is in honour of Bartholomew Diaz’s arrival in Algoa Bay in 1488. Across the way from Market Square is the magnificent public library, complete with an enormous marble statue of Queen Victoria. The library was built in 1835 as a courthouse, and showcases the Gothic-Victorian architecture of the time.
The Campanile is a bell tower that lies just south of the square. It is more than 53 metres high and has 204 stairs, which visitors are welcome to climb. The views from the top are incredible.
The 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 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.
