About Mkhonto Gawzela’s Frieze at the Campanile
At the start of Route 67 is the Campanile Tower, a tall red brick edifice built in honour of the 1820 British Settlers. The origin of its name is Florentine, as is its architecture for Bell Tower, which is what it is - a 170 foot tower at the top of which is a bell that sounds three times a day, and a clock.
Did you know? The russet clay frieze is in keeping with Gwazela’s history. He and his friends taught themselves to make animals out of clay, even though the river banks were out of bounds for the children of his village.
The memorial is at the entrance of the railway station and the harbour right where, it is said, the settlers first set foot in the country. And it still stands head and shoulders above, just about, everything built subsequently in the area, reminiscent of St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, although that reaches a good 320 feet in the air.
Port Elizabeth recently introduced an urban renewal programme incorporating modern and colourful pieces of art to add ethnic, cultural and authentic influence to the city’s historical monuments.
The Campanile Frieze is one of these additions by the New Brighton-based artist Mpumzeni Ezra ‘Mkhonto’ Gwazela, who combined Indian, Xhosa and Western influences, featuring a sweep of South African actors, writers, artists and musicians in a string of cameos along the length of the wall.
The characters and personalities include Athol Fugard, George Pemba, John Kani, and the artist himself. Taking a couple of months to research the design, he enlisted the help of his Master’s supervisor at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).
After studying in East London and NMMU he collaborated on a frieze for PE’s Red Location and on the back of this work was approached to do the frieze at the base of the Campanile. Despite his acclaim - his work has sold to France, Thailand and other African countries - his desire is to open an art school with his wife, who is a printmaker, to teach others.
Need to Know
WhereMkhonto Gawzela’s Frieze at the Campanile, Strand Street, Central, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Port Elizabeth Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
Attractions near Central Hill
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Port Elizabeth

The Grand Hotel
Located in central Port Elizabeth, the hotel is close to attractions such as the Donkin Reserve, the Opera House as well as the beautiful beaches...

23 On Glen Guest House
23 on Glen offers bed & breakfast accommodation in seven comfortable rooms in central Port Elizabeth. All rooms have a TV with DStv, Wi-Fi and te...

The Harbour Masters House
Island Vibe -The Harbour Masters House offers accommodation in a newly revamped heritage-style building with vintage finishes in keeping with the...

Boutique Hotel On The Bay
Boutique Hotel On The Bay is located in Nelson Mandela Bay, offering a peaceful accommodation in Port Elizabeth with everything you need. Nearby,...

Bluewater Guest House
Bluewater Guest House is situated 180m from the beach and offers accommodation in 6 en-suite guest rooms, including a family room which sleeps 4 ...

16 Beach Music
Situated on the spectacular Beachview beachfront, we offer you accommodation in relaxed beach house living style. Only 25 km from Port Elizabeth ...

Su Casa B&B
Su Casa B&B has six rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and two rooms have heat-and-eat appliances and the other rooms feature a kitchenette ...

Anfield Stable Cottage
Anfield Stable Cottage is situated in the beautiful rural area of Colleen Glen, on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. The area boasts beaches, gam...

St. Phillips Bed & Breakfast
St Phillips Bed & Breakfast is a double storey Victorian home situated in Richmond Hill, one of Port Elizabeth's oldest suburbs. The Bed & Breakf...
Things to do in the area

Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
If you enjoy the smooth sounds of classical music, then you should not miss the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in action at the stunning Fea...

No 7 Castle Hill
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1830 and is now regarded as one of the oldest surviving settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. The interior presen...

Port Elizabeth Library
The gorgeous building of the Port Elizabeth Main Library is found in the north-west corner of Market Square in Port Elizabeth. The building was o...

Café Zanzibar
Café Zanzibar is a trendy spot, popular amongst the young up-and-coming crowd of Central, Port Elizabeth. Situated in Parliament Street, it is pe...

Mannville Open Air Theatre
Every year the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival stages an open-air production of one of the works of William Shakespeare, at the Mannville o...

The Coffee Society
Coffee Society is a little meeting spot that has become quite the favourite amongst locals. It is comfortable and inviting. The coffee is good an...

Natti's Thai Kitchen
Natti’s Thai Kitchen has been a Port Elizabeth institution for more than a decade, having earned a respected reputation for its outstanding and a...

Old Austria
The Old Austria Restaurant is a tribute to the charm and elegance of eating out as it was generations ago. It is conveniently situated on Westbou...

Stage Door Restaurant
The Phoenix Hotel, which houses the Stage Door Restaurant, is the oldest in Port Elizabeth. History permeates every aspect of this institution, n...
Accommodation convenient to Mkhonto Gawzela’s Frieze at the Campanile
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation