The Dias Museum

In 1487 King João II of Portugal was seeking a sea route to India via the Southern tip of Africa. Sent to head up this voyage was Bartolomeu Dias with two caravels of 100 tons each and a larger store ship.

Dias was travelling down the Western coast of what is now South Africa when he decided to head into open sea to get around a stormy Southern wind. He ended up sailing around the Southern tip and when he began to steer eastwards couldn't find land. It was only when he went on a northerly course that he saw land at the Gourits River, but was unable to land.

He travelled further up the coast and managed to land at what is now known as Mossel Bay. Dias named it 'Aguada de São Bras' which means 'watering place of Saint Blaize', as they had landed on the festival day of Saint Blaize. It was only later changed to Mossel Bay by the Dutch.

The Dias Museum is situated on the site of the first meeting between European explorers and the Khoi, and overlooks the Indian Ocean. During whale season, from June to November, whales can be spotted from the museum grounds. The museum is home to five National Monuments, one of which was built in built around 1830 by Alexander Munro from Scotland for £25.

At the Dias Museum you are given a unique insight into the history of the area and the Portuguese, Dutch and British sailors who sailed along the coast. One of the main features of the museum is the life-size replica of the Dias Caravel, the boat that Bartolomeu Dias used to sail to Africa. Visitors can explore the boat and all the inner workings of the caravel.

Another of the major attractions at the museum is the Post Tree. In 1500 a Portuguese commander called Pedro de Ataide left a letter of importance in an old shoe under a Milkwood tree before setting off homeward. The letter was then picked up by a sailor in 1501 who was en-route to India. The tree became known as the Post Office Tree, and would be used by a number of sailors to 'post' their letters.

The Dias Museum is filled with interesting and unique history, and is well worth the visit. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h45, and on weekends and public holidays from 09h00 to 15h45. The entrance fee is R20 for adults (and R40 if you want to go onto the Dias caravel). For more information call 044 691 1067.