CITY HERITAGE TRAIL
In 1979, the Society published The Donkin Heritage Trail, a walking guide to Central, following a route demarcated by blue lines. It was popular and safe with locals and tourists. The trail was subsequently expanded as The Donkin Heritage Trail and Richmond Hill Trail, last published as the ninth edition in 2016.
Today, most of the heritage features remain, but the trail is no longer operational due to safety considerations. This webpage tells the story of the heritage features of the old trail. Its a reminder of what is there, and the endless possibilities if the political will to fix things was there.
A quick guide:
The map shows heritage features
click on the map to view heritage feature details
The present library building, designed by Henry Cheers of Twickenham, England, in a mixed Classical/Jacobean Revival style, was opened in 1902.
Marble statue unveiled in 1903 by E. Roscoe Mullins of London, commemorating Queen Victoria. Originally funded through a Jubilee fund.
The Square is probably the most significant urban space in the City. Originally the landing beach was nearby and many of the goods arriving at or leaving Port Elizabeth did so via Market Square.
The City Hall served as a Council Chamber as well as a concert hall, a lecture hall and offices for city council employees (NM 1973).
Behind the City Hall, in Fleming Square, stands a monument dedicated to the mythical king-priest, Prester John, and the Portuguese explorers who were the first Europeans to discover South Africa.
Looking eastwards from Market Square, between Kwantu Towers and Traduna buildings, one catches a glimpse of the Campanile beyond the elevated freeway.
Used for 70 years for harbour administration by the South African Railways and Harbours. The foundation stone was laid by Mr J Searle.
