The Hill

The area of Central just about the Port Elizabeth CBD used to be called The Hill in the early day. It was because the area is situated at the top of quite a steep hill and it was a struggle to get horse carts, ox wagons and even the tram up the steep bit to the top. This pic is taken from the top of the Donkin Lighthouse looking towards on of the older parts of Central. In the foreground on the left is The Hill Presbyterian Church and on the right is the historic Donkin Street houses which was built in the 1850’s.

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Arija

    I love your sunrise for skywatch, but I love this photo more. Great clarity of light and such adorable terrace houses sidling up the hill.

  2. Leif Hagen

    Wonderful city view! Heavenly snap of the church and PALM trees! Lovely!

  3. Lunachance

    Wow, this is a great photo with a lot of interesting buildings. The stained glass windows in the church are as amazing as the masonry. I have to wonder what the other views from the lighthouse are… I do have one question: what does CBD stand for? I think it probably has something to do with central, and district. Your blog makes me want to visit Port Elizabeth when I go to South Africa next year. Thanks for the great photos.Lunachance

  4. Firefly

    Lunachance, CBD stands for Central Business District. A lot of business have moved out of the old CBD many years ago, so businesses are spread all over town. But even with that the old CBD is still refered to the CBD or “town”.

  5. Suzi-k

    This is GREAT! did you do 360 degree views while you were up there? I have a historic photo taken in the late 1800s looking from the top of the lighthouse, over the opera house towards Humewood, and I'd love to see a comparison of how it looks now… I'll post the old one on my facebook so you can see the direction, and if you have a similar angle I'd REALLY love to see it…. doing a project for the wild ideas exhibition on street art for the Central Upgrade (don't miss this, it will be right up your alley) which opens on Tuesday.

Comments are closed.