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Tourism and InformationHistory & Heritage
INTRODUCTION:
The Eastern Cape's rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the regions, diverse and remarkable past. The area that once hosted battlefields and witnessed scirmishes and wars, is now fondly referred to as the province of opportunity. The Eastern Cape incorporating Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch) and Buffalo City (East London, King Williams Town, Bhisho), bear the rich legacy of an area which saw the first meetings of Khoisan, British, Dutch, German and Xhosa people.
As the landing place of the British (Port Elizabeth) and later German Settlers (East London), first discovered by Vasco da Gama, inhabited by the Khoisan, it boasts some of the finest architectural attractions in South Africa. The history of the cities and their people can be experienced in the many museums and monuments. Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch) could be considered to be the country's leading centre of Art Nouveau style architecture due to her European heritage. Many buildings display the intricate stonework, wrought iron and stained glass of that era as prominently visible in the Central Historical areas of the city. Buffalo City (East London, King Williams Town, Bhisho) also boasts many fine historic buildings dating as far back as the 1800's. They include the Post Office, St Andrew's Church and St Peter's Church, the oldest church in East London. The impressive East London City hall's foundation stone was laid in 1897. The design included the "Victoria Tower" that was added to commemorate Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne.
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