Victoria Clocktower Guide: Seychelles' Iconic Little Ben

The Victoria Clocktower has stood at the center of the Seychelles capital since its inauguration on April 1, 1903. This silver-painted monument serves as a historical marker at the busy intersection of Independence Avenue and Albert Street, acting as the primary landmark for visitors navigating the town. While it resembles the famous clock towers of London, its presence in Victoria commemorates the life of Queen Victoria following her death in 1901. Local residents frequently refer to the monument as Lorloz, a Creole term derived from the French word for clock, and it remains the most photographed feature in the city.

Historical Origins and Construction Details

The decision to erect the tower came from Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott, who served as the Governor of the Seychelles at the turn of the century. He sought a permanent memorial for Queen Victoria and secured funding through a combination of government grants and public subscriptions from the local community. The total cost of the project reached 468 Rupees, a significant sum for the island economy in the early 1900s. Unlike many colonial monuments that were built on-site, this structure was manufactured in the United Kingdom before being shipped to Mahé.

Architectural Design and Manufacturing

Gillett & Johnston, a clockmaking firm based in Croydon, England, produced the cast iron components of the tower. The design is a near-identical replica of Little Ben, the smaller clock tower that was placed outside Victoria Station in London in 1892. It stands approximately five meters tall and features intricate Victorian-style ironwork painted in a distinct metallic silver. The proportions are much smaller than the Big Ben tower of the Palace of Westminster, yet the architectural language—with its ornate Victorian crown and bracketed clock faces—is clearly intended to echo the aesthetic of the British capital.

The Long Silence and 1999 Restoration

For nearly a century, the Victoria Clocktower did not actually chime. Although the original intent was for the clock to strike the hours, the mechanism proved temperamental or was simply never fully operational in the tropical climate of the Seychelles. This changed in 1999 when a major restoration project was launched to modernize the internal workings of the monument. Engineers replaced the original mechanical system with a new electronic movement, allowing the clock to chime for the first time in its history nearly 96 years after it was first installed. Today, the chimes are a regular feature of the daily atmosphere in central Victoria.

Practical Tips for Visiting and Photography

Most visitors treat the Clocktower as a quick stop while walking between the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market and the various government buildings nearby. Because the tower is situated in the middle of a functional roundabout, you cannot walk directly up to its base without crossing active traffic lanes. The surrounding area remains active during business hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, meaning the intersection is often crowded with local commuters and transport buses.

Strategic Viewing Points and Lighting

The lighting at this specific intersection can be tricky for photographers because the silver paint reflects intense tropical sunlight. I find that the most effective angle for a photograph is from the pavement near the National Museum of Natural History. This position allows you to capture the height of the tower against the background of the mountains that rise behind Victoria without the clutter of overhead power lines. Late afternoon light—typically between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM—tends to be softer and highlights the metallic texture of the ironwork better than the overhead midday sun. If you visit on a Sunday, the traffic is significantly lighter, which makes it easier to wait for a clear shot without cars blocking the lower half of the monument.

Nearby Landmarks and Logistics

The Clocktower sits within a three-minute walk of several other essential Victoria sites. The National Museum of Natural History is located just steps away on Independence Avenue, and the Victoria Post Office—a classic colonial-style building—is situated diagonally across the street. There are no fees to view the Clocktower as it is a public monument on a public road. Parking in this part of Victoria is famously difficult; I recommend using the large public parking lot near the stadium or the waterfront and walking five minutes inland to reach the tower. This approach avoids the frustration of the narrow one-way streets that characterize the town center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Victoria Clocktower have a chime?

The clock currently chimes on the hour following a significant mechanical overhaul in 1999. Prior to this restoration, the tower was silent for almost 96 years due to the original mechanism failing to function correctly in the local climate.

How much did it cost to build the Victoria Clocktower?

The monument cost a total of 468 Rupees at the time of its construction in 1903. This funding was sourced from a mix of local government contributions and private donations from the Seychellois public to honor the memory of Queen Victoria.

Where is the best place to park when visiting the Clocktower?

Avoid trying to find street parking directly on Independence Avenue as spaces are limited and strictly monitored. The most reliable option is the large parking area near the People's Stadium or the Freedom Square lot, which are both less than 500 meters from the monument.

Is the Victoria Clocktower a replica of Big Ben?

It is not a replica of Big Ben but rather a replica of Little Ben, a smaller clock tower located near Victoria Station in London. Both the London original and the Seychelles version were created to celebrate the Victorian era, though the Seychelles tower was shipped in pieces from England.