Dias Cross Memorial, Stone cross monument in Kwaaihoek, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Dias Cross Memorial stands on a high promontory at Kwaaihoek on the Eastern Cape coastline and marks a significant point of early European exploration. The site features a stone structure documenting the historical presence of Bartholomaeus Dias at this location.
A Portuguese navigator placed the first stone cross at this location in 1488 during coastal exploration, marking a turning point in maritime travel. The original artifact was later discovered and is now secured for posterity.
The site marks a first meeting between European sailors and the African continent, shaping centuries of trade routes and connections between distant regions. Visitors and locals view this location as a symbol of a turning point that altered connections between two distant parts of the world.
The memorial is reached via a minor road from Alexandria, followed by a walk past sand dunes to the site. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for open, windy terrain.
The original cross was rediscovered only in 1938 and now resides at a museum in a major university. This discovery was a significant find for archaeologists that confirmed the existence at this location.
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