MOSSEL BAY
It was founded in 1848 and became a municipality in 1852 Originally called Aliwal but was renamed after the bay. It was named Aguada de Sao Bras by Vasco da Gama in 1497. Golfo dos Vaqueiros by Joao da Nova in 1501, and Mosselbaai by the Dutch Navigator Paulus van Caerden in July 1601 because mussels (Dutch mossels) were all he could find to replenishes the ship’s stores.
Photo Naam
The Post Office Tree – This Milkwood tree is over 500 years old. Portuguese navigator Da Nova found a message in or under a tree in 1501. The message was left by
Pero da’Ataide, captain of the homeward bound ship. The message was found on 7 July 1501 by the outward-bound ship od Da Nova. According to tradition the message was placed in an old shoe and tied to the tree. Declared a National Monument on 9 September 1938.
The Mill (Maritime Museum)
The Mill (Maritime Museum) – built in 1901 by EJ Meyer as a grist plant and mill. Reconstruction of the building as a museum began in 1987, architect was G Fagan. Most of the stone exterior was retained
Bartholomeu Dias Caravel
Bartholomeu Dias Caravel – This is a replica of Bartholomeu Dias’ caravel on his epic 1488 voyage of the discovery of a sea route around Southern Africa.The replica was designed from incomplete documents. It was built in the shipyard of Samuel & Filhos in Vila do-Condes, Portugal.It sailed from Lisbon on 8 November 1987 and arrived in Mossel Bay on 3 February 1988., exactly 500 years after the original Dias voyage.
Dutch Reformed Church
Dutch Reformed Church – Church St. As the second DR Church, it was built in 1878/80. It was designed by CO Hager. Now used as church offices.
Munro’s Corner
Munro’s Corner, Santos Rd – This rectangular house was probably the house of Alexander Munro who in 1830 obtained permission to hunt seals in the bay. Now forms part of the museum complex. Declared a National Monument on 16 July 1982. Another thatched house at the back.
Carpenter’s shop
Carpenter’s shop, Montagu St – This building was designed by Herbert Baker. Built circa 1898 for WJ Swart & Son.
Photo Naam
War Memorial, alongside point Hotel. – this monument commemorates those who died during the Great War 1914-1918. Designed by WJ Delbridge. Unveiled on 28 September 1924 by Maj.Genl Sir HT Lukin. In 1954 the names of those who died during WWII (1939-1945) were added on a plaque.
Cape Saint Blaize Cave
Cape Saint Blaize Cave – below the light house – This is the site of SA’s first Middle Stone Age archaeological excavations.
The Granary
The Granary – This building is a reconstruction of the VOC shed of 1786. It was demolished in 1950 and re-erected on its foundations. Part of the museum complex.
10 Field St
10 Field St – cnr Montagu st – a stone terrace of two single story dwellings.
St Blaize Terrace
St Blaize Terrace, Marsh st – consist of eight dwellings. Each unit has a bay-window and a gable. Both ends have a turret. Dated 1909.
The Towns House
The Towns House, 1 Market St – Old municipal building – Porch dated 1896
94 Montagu St
94 Montagu St - This sandstone building dated circa 1890 - now a guest house namely Sandstone Manor
