In 1795 the British captured the Cape and a stone fort, Fort Frederick, was built on the hill overlooking the Algoa Bay anchorage. Following this development, the first two decades of the nineteenth century saw a thriving settlement established, later to become Port Elizabeth.

For the culture-minded visitor, Port Elizabeth has managed to preserve its historical heritage in the Central heart of the city. Historians are invited to amble along the Donkin Heritage Trail at their leisure and explore the rich history of the 1820 Settlers.

Art venues include the King George VI, EPSAC and Cuyler Street galleries. Theatrical productions are staged at a number of venues, including the Opera House (a fine example of a Victorian theatre and the only one still in use in South Africa), and the beautifully refurbished Feather Market Centre, an outstanding concert hall and conference centre.

It is in this region that the visitor is fully exposed to the cultural heritage of the Xhosa nation, and several quality crafting and cultural experiences can be found here.

Donkin House	Feather Market Hall	Donkin Reserve	Xhosas

The 5 km Donkin Heritage Trail links 47 places of historical interest in the old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth. The useful pedestrian signage orientates tourists along the self-guided trail. The Donkin Reserve was proclaimed a public open space in perpetuity by Sir Rufane Donkin. It includes a stone pyramid monument, with a touching inscription, erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named. The Lighthouse, built in 1861, also houses the city's Tourist Information Centre.

The beautiful, colonial City Hall, which is located on Market Square, was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was added in 1883 and proclaimed a national monument in 1973. Also in the Square is a replica of the Diaz Cross, donated by the Portuguese Government to commemorate the epic arrival of Bartholomew Diaz in Algoa Bay in 1488.

Erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 British Settlers, the Campanile is situated at the entrance of the railway station and harbour. The 53.5 m Campanile contains a chiming clock and the largest carillon of bells in the country, in addition to its chiming clock. The Observation Room can be reached by climbing a 204-step staircase, offering a magnificent experience and view not to be missed.

Fort Frederick is a 1799 stone fort built by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River. It was named after Frederick, Duke of York, and was built by English troops. The English troops were sent to Algoa Bay to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels in preventing a possible landing of French soldiers. Yet, ironically, no shot was ever fired in anger from the Fort.

Donkin at night	City hall at night	Fort Frederick	Horse Memorial

The Horse Memorial, located on the corner of Russell and Cape Roads, was erected and dedicated to the horses killed during the South African War (1899-1902). This magnificent statue is reputed to be one of only three memorials in the world dedicated to horses.
Mendi Memorial, situated in Mendi Road, New Brighton, was erected in memory of the servicemen who lost their lives at sea when the troopship S.S. Mendi foundered near St. Catherine's Point on the Isle of Wight
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Emlotheni Memorial Park, a tribute to the heroism and courage displayed by the gallant fighters who are buried here, can be found in Limba Avenue, New Brighton. Nearby Red Location, a black settlement of mostly tin shanties, has become a trademark of the area. The name originated from the red tin roofs of the buildings.

Piet Retief Memorial, situated on the original farm in Summerstrand, along Marine Drive, was built to celebrate the centenary of the Great Trek.

Port Elizabeth is a significant industrial centre, with much emphasis on the motor manufacturing industry, so it's quite appropriate that it has the country's most impressive motor museum. For an innovative shopping experience close to the beach, the Boardwalk has a whole host of fashionable shops and some wonderful coffee shops and restaurants, as well as a casino. It's an open-air space as opposed to a mall, and a semi-natural water feature winds through the complex, which seems to please a range of wild birds as well as shoppers.

Meander at will and explore our antique and second-hand stores, mostly found in the Central hill area. Different centres for upmarket shopping experiences include:

· Greenacres, Newton Park
· The Bridge, Newton Park
· Walmer Park, Walmer
· 6th Avenue, Walmer
· Summerstrand Village, Summerstrand

PE Arial	Boardwalk Complex	Splash Festival	Art in the park

Port Elizabeth has very accessible motor free-ways and is commonly referred to as the "10-minute city". The uncongested motorways are "user friendly" and getting around is an easy, scenic experience. Most of the historic attractions are located within walking distance of one another in the historical Central area.

The PE Technikon (a university of technology) is a dynamic institution of higher education and a model of excellence in career-oriented education and research.
The Technikon offers diplomas and degrees up to doctorate level, in a wide range of career-related disciplines across eight faculties on five campuses - three in Port Elizabeth and two in George.

PE Technikon	U.P.E.	Collegiate High School	Grey High School

Coega Deepwater Port
The Coega Industrial Development Zone is South Africa’s primary location for new industrial investments, providing 12 000 hectares of land for development and incorporating a new deepwater port and world-class infrastructure. The initiative is known as “the Coega project” and situated on South Africa’s Eastern Cape Coast, the Coega IDZ is ideally placed to service both internal and export markets, being equidistant from America and Pacific Rim destinations. Intended as a location for industries focused on beneficiation of the country’s natural resources, Coega is one of a number of zones demarcated by the government to position the country as a platform for export-orientated manufacturing. Set just 20km east of the Port Elizabeth metropolitan Municipality, the strategically situated port effectively meets the opportunities provided by rapid changes in international shipping traffic.

For the seasoned and discerning traveller, Port Elizabeth offers a wide range of excellent accommodation possibilities. Modern facilities are combined with genuine, warm hospitality, for which the Friendly City has earned her name.

Whatever your preference, accommodation options are plentiful and varied in PE. One- and two-star hotels abound, offering excellent value-for- money. For those wanting more traditional hotel service, a selection of quality three- and four-star hotels, as well as up-market retreats, are available. PE has a thriving guest house industry, ranging from the more basic B&B arrangement, to the quiet intimacy of a cosy up- market guest house or a luxurious Manor House.

Hacklewood Hill Country Club	The Paxton Hotel	The Edward Hotel