Campanile Tower

About Campanile Tower

Standing tall and proud over the city centre of Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay, The Campanile has long been an iconic feature on the Friendly City's skyline. Although it was finished in 1922, its recent renovations have revived it and put it firmly on the tourism map of the Eastern Cape.

This heritage site is part of Route 67. The route begins at The Campanile and includes all sorts of historical, creative, and cultural attractions; showcasing the journey and modern face of Port Elizabeth in innovative and intriguing ways. This journey includes the arrival of the Settlers in 1820, and continues right through to the leaders and creatives of today. Unveiled in 2017, the new Campanile is the perfect place to start this epic exploration.

The 204 steps up The Campanile (which is 50 metres, or about 15 stories, tall) take climbers to the Observatory Room. However, thanks to the renovations, a lift is available for visitors that cannot manage the climb. From here, breath-taking views of the working harbour can be savoured, while the rest of the city buzzes below in the comings and goings of students, corporates and travellers. It is in this Observatory Room that the country's largest carillon of bells (an automated system that amplifies the magnificent sounds of the bells to the city) can be found. This carillon includes 23 bells, in addition to the chiming clock of yesteryear, and they can be programmed to play just about any melody.

The ghost clocks light up when the bells ring, giving each bell its time in the limelight and making for a gorgeous light display. The interactive organ even allows the visitors to play the tune of their choice on the bells, and to watch as they light up in response.

Art galleries and exhibition areas are part of the newer features of The Campanile. These put the work of established and emerging artists on a platform for visitors from all over the world to enjoy. There is also an area dedicated to the long and important road walked by former-president, Mr Nelson Mandela, and the effect his efforts had on this Rainbow Nation.

The Campanile is open from Monday to Saturday, and is a wonderful group activity.