Monument to Prester John

About Monument to Prester John

The Prester John Memorial in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), is widely considered the only monument in the world dedicated to this legendary king-priest. Unveiled in 1986 by the Portuguese Ambassador, it commemorates the mythical Christian monarch and the Portuguese explorers who searched for his kingdom. The Quest: Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias sailed around Africa hoping to find Prester John as a Christian ally against rivals. Symbolism: The cross features the Portuguese coat-of-arms, a sailing ship, the Lion of Judah, and African animals like elephants and rhinos. The Legend: Prester John was believed to rule a vast, wealthy Christian empire in Asia or Ethiopia.