Bartolomeu Dias Statue, Cape Town

The Bartolomeu Dias Statue in Cape Town commemorates the historic journey of Bartolomeu Dias, who was the first European navigator to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488. This remarkable exploration opened the sea route from Europe to Asia, marking a significant milestone in maritime history.

The statue is prominently located at the bustling intersection of Heerengracht and Coen Steytler Boulevards, making it a prominent feature in the city's landscape. It was initially unveiled on 12 March 1960 at the South African National Gallery in the Company's Garden and was later relocated near the entrance of the Port of Cape Town, alongside the statue of Maria van Riebeeck.

The statue was a gift from the Portuguese government to the people of South Africa, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the settlement of the Cape of Good Hope in 1952. It was crafted by Professor Salvador Barata Feyo, a renowned artist, and stands as a testament to the enduring connections between Portugal and South Africa, forged through centuries of maritime exploration and cultural exchange. The granite pedestal that supports the statue was designed by architect António Fernandes de Sá, further adding to the monument's aesthetic and historical significance.

The artistic representation of Bartolomeu Dias is notable for its imaginative depiction because no contemporary images of the explorer exist. The statue captures Dias' brave, energetic, and perseverant spirit emblematic of his daring voyage. Dias, in a seaman's coat, gazes over his ship's bow into stormy seas. Holding his cap in one hand and an astrolabe in the other, symbolizing his navigation prowess and spirit of discovery on his historic voyage.