Launch of religious sites tour route on South Coast
The Mission Tourism Route touches on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks.
The KZN South Coast has a rich cultural history, forming part of the many tourism excursions and adventures. With incredible religious sites dating back to the 1800s, this experience is set to attract attention with the launch of the Mission Tourism Route last Tuesday.
Launched by the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), media and key stakeholders such as Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and tour operators got a first-hand experience of the Mission Tourism Route that included The Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula, Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni, Assisi Mission at Oshabeni and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths.
Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE said: “We have noted that a growing source of tourism interest currently, is the origins of Mariannhill and its constellation of outlying mission stations, many of which are found within the KZN South Coast.
“The launch of a dedicated Mission Tourism Route not only opens up a new avenue of tourism to our region while providing our visitors with exciting new offerings, it expands our tourism footprint further into the hinterland, opening up the rural tourism economy.”
The Mission Tourism Route touches on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks. Starting in 1880 with the enigmatic Austrian monk, Franz Pfanner, arriving in KZN with around 30 monks of the Trappist order. Two years after establishing Mariannhill, Pfanner, they started setting up outstations to reach people in rural areas, providing education and skills training.
Included in the package, visitors will depart from Port Shepstone for the first stop, The Capuchin Way Mission for a tour of the property, and more on the operational history of this unique site.
The next stop is Maris Stella Mission which includes a viewing of the incredible craftsmanship of the mission’s interior, murals and altars, then Assisi Mission where visitors can learn more about the ongoing work from nuns residing here and thereafter, the beautiful Maria Trost Mission constructed entirely out of local stone.
To end the tour, visitors proceed to the historic Spillers Wharf along the Umzimkhulu River in Port Shepstone where they will enjoy lunch at Fish on the River.
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