MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There is so much to see in Mossel Bay, especially if you are a history lover!
Dias Museum Complex
The Dias Museum
Complex includes:
Shell Museum - South Africa's largest collection of shells.
An indigenous ethno-botanical garden - with a Braille trail, historic Malay graves, a replica of the padrae (commemorative cross) which Dias erected during his visit and the spring from which Dias and his crew are thought to have drawn water.
Mossel Bay's Maritime Museum - which houses a full-size replica of the kind of caravel in which Bartolomeu Dias would have sailed when he and his crew became the first Europeans to land in South Africa (in February 1488).
Visit www.visitmosselbay.co.za/calender for details.
Mossel Bay's Post Office Tree - The world's oldest Post Office, the Post Office Tree, was first used when Pedro d' Ataida left a letter in a sailor's boot up in a tree by the fountain. The venerable Milkwood tree (Sideroxylon inerme) is situated in the Dias Museum Complex.
The Dias Museum Complex welcomes tour groups. It is situated in Market Street, Mossel Bay, opposite the Tourism Information Office.
Visit www.diasmuseum.museum.com or phone 044 691 1067.
ATKV Hartenbos Museum
A museum of the Voortrekker Great Trek (1836-38) and South Africa's famous Voortrekkers. Objects from the Great Trek and the Commemorative Trek of 1938 are displayed in nine themed rooms (preparation for the journey; outspan; repair and maintenance; games; song and dance; women's activities, among others) Tour groups are welcome. The museum is situated on Kaap de Goedehoop Lane in Hartenbos. Visit www.hartenbos.co.za or phone 044 695 2183.
Janine Iron and Washing Museum
A truly unique find in Hartenbos, houses more than 650 irons and washing-related items dating back as far as the year, 600 to 700.
Some of these items are truly one of their kind worldwide.
The only iron and washing museum in Africa, this offers a must-see collection of artefacts including the first hot irons used by the Chinese centuries ago. The museum entrance is at Laundraland, Kaap de Goede Hoop Avenue, Hartenbos. Viewing hours are Monday to Saturday 07:00-18:30 or 07:00-15:00 on Sundays.
Great Brak River Museum
Showcases the history of Great Brak River village (established in 1859) and the Searles - its founding family. Many photographs dating from 1881 to the present; household-, military- and other interesting artefacts. Visits to the village's restored hydropower station (1924) can be arranged on request.
Suitable for tour groups. They are situated in Amy Searle Street, Great Brak River. Visit www.greatbrakriver.co.za or phone 044 620 3338.
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