Historical Importance

Boknes’s historical importance comes from the discovery of the Dias Cross in 1937-38 by Prof Eric Axelson. There is 5000 fragments of the original Padrao Sao Gregorio recovered which was planted in 1488 by Bartolomias Dias at Kwaaihoek. It was about 75% of the original Dias-beacon.

The cross was reconstructed to the University of the Witwatersrand. In 1944 a replica of the cross was built and can be reached from Boknesstrand by foot. The cross dates the important discovery of the seaway to India around the south point of Africa like Bartolomias Dias. This important voyage of Dias is the earliest noted event in our country’s history.

In November 1995 President Mario Soares from Portugal visited the cross – he was the first head of state of this country which ever visited after 507 years.