One of Port Elizabeth's most visible skyline and audible heritage landmarks, the Campanile in Strand Street, has been reopened to the public after a R20-million facelift. The upgrades and renovations included the installation of an interactive visual-technology array dubbed "Ghost Bells", a new harbour viewing window, a special computerised, purpose-built, electro-mechanical bell ringing system for the tower's 17 ton bell carillon as well as a new reception area that will act as an information desk and several exhibition areas within the Campanile.
The Campanile (Italian for "bell tower") was built in 1920 to mark the centenary of the arrival of the 1820 settlers who came from Britain to help populate the frontier of the Eastern Cape. The 53.5m high tower has a climb of 204 steps that takes one to the Observation Room, offering a magnificent view of the harbor and surroundings. A silver plaque on the 67th step up the Campanile represents the start of the Route 67 - a public art urban meander dedicated to Nelson Mandela.
The Campanile in Port Elizabeth is open for tours to all members of the public and visitors between Monday and Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00.
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