Site of Original Dias Cross, National monument in Karas Region, Namibia
The Site of Original Dias Cross is a monument on a rise overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Karas Region, marking an important position for seafarers and explorers. The location offers clear views of the coastline and is equipped with explanatory plaques describing the maritime importance of this place.
A Portuguese seafarer erected the original cross at this location in 1488 during a voyage to establish new trade routes around Africa. This journey was a turning point in European exploration of the southern hemisphere.
This monument marks the first recorded meeting between European seafarers and this African coast, an event that eventually led to regular maritime trade connections. The site shows how that moment changed European understanding of the world.
Visitors typically reach this monument through guided tours from Luderitz, with informative plaques at the site providing further explanation. The location sits exposed on a rise, so be prepared for windy conditions and coastal weather.
The cross visible today is a replica built in 1988 at precisely the same spot where the original cross was planted roughly 500 years earlier. This reconstruction shows how important this location remains in collective memory.
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