Die Kreuz (Padrao Replica) | Swakopmund

The Die Kreuz (Padrao Replica) is a historical monument located on the coastal headland of Cape Cross, Namibia. It consists of two distinct stone cross replicas situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Visual Characteristics

The monument features two vertical stone columns topped with crosses, modeled after 15th-century Portuguese padrãos. They are constructed from grey granite and weathered stone, standing approximately 3 meters high. The surrounding terrain is a flat, salt-encrusted rocky outcrop dominated by dark basalt formations and white guano deposits.

Location & Access Logistics

The crosses are positioned at the westernmost point of the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, roughly 130km north of Swakopmund via the C34 salt road. Access requires entry through the reserve's main gate and a 3km drive on a designated gravel track to the coastal parking area. No public transportation serves this site; private or tour vehicles are mandatory.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original cross was erected in 1486 by Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão to mark the southern limit of his voyage and claim the territory for King John II. The current monuments are replicas: one was erected by the German government in 1895 after the original was removed, and a second, more historically accurate granite replica was placed in 1980.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can examine the inscriptions on the replicas, which include the Portuguese coat of arms and historical text in Latin and Portuguese. A boardwalk allows for pedestrian access between the two crosses and provides a vantage point for viewing the adjacent seal colony. Photography of the monuments against the ocean backdrop is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The immediate area around the crosses has no restrooms, shops, or food vendors; these are located 3km away at the reserve entrance. There is no shade or shelter from the wind at the monument site. Cellular signal (4G) is weak and inconsistent due to the remote coastal geography.

Best Time to Visit

The site is accessible during the reserve's operating hours (10:00 to 17:00). Late afternoon provides the best lighting for reading the inscriptions and photographing the stone textures. High tide brings the surf closer to the rocky base of the monument, increasing the visual contrast of the headland.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity exists in the placement of the two crosses: the 1895 German replica features the German Imperial Eagle, while the 1980 replica is a faithful reconstruction of the 15th-century original. Local accounts note that the original cross remained standing for over 400 years before being transported to the Museum of German History in Berlin.

Nearby Landmarks

Cape Cross Seal Colony – 0.1km South

Cape Cross Lodge – 4.0km East

First Namibia Bark Mill Ruins – 3.5km East

Zeila Shipwreck – 46km South