Cape Cross (Afrikaans: Kaap Kruis; German: Kreuzkap; Portuguese: Cabo da Cruz) is a headland in the South Atlantic in Skeleton Coast, western Namibia.

[1] In 1484, Portuguese navigator and explorer Diogo Cão was ordered by King John II of Portugal to advance south into undiscovered regions along the west coast of Africa, as part of the search for a sea route to India and the Spice Islands.

[2] The original Cape Cross padrão was removed in 1893 by Corvette captain Gottlieb Becker, commander of the unprotected cruiser SMS Falke of the German Navy, and taken to Berlin.

At the end of the 20th century, thanks to private donations, another cross, more similar to the original one, was erected at the cape along with the first replica.

The inscription on the padrão reads, in English translation:[3] In the year 6685 after the creation of the world and 1485 after the birth of Christ, the brilliant, far-sighted King John II of Portugal ordered Diogo Cão, knight of his court, to discover this land and to erect this padrão here".Cape Cross is a protected area owned by the government of Namibia under the name Cape Cross Seal Reserve.