Clock Tower

The Clock Tower in Victoria, Seychelles(or Lorloz in Creole) is the most famous historical site in the small capital of Seychelles and has been the center of the city for almost 100 years. While massive changes have taken place throughout the city center, creating modern buildings made of glass and concrete, the Clocktower has remained virtually unchanged. Lorloz is a beautiful replica of the Clock, which was first built in London in 1897 at Victoria Station at the intersection of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road. Governor, Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott, admired this clock during a visit to London and ordered a similar one in memory of Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after 63 years of rule.

Messrs Gillett of Croydon (now Gillett & Johnson) designed the clock, which was funded by public donations and installed in 1903. Seychelles gained its new status as a royal colony in that year, and instead of being controlled by Mauritius, it was now administered directly by a governor despatched from London. The clock was meant to ring as well, but that didn't work out. After its mechanism was totally replaced by a contemporary quartz movement in 1999, it now strikes every hour on the hour. The restoration was done by its previous manufacturer, Gillet, and Johnson, and was partially funded by public donations once again. The Clock Tower is one of Seychelles' national monuments.

Location: Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.