Victoria Clock Tower Restored

Victoria Clock Tower Returns to Its Former Glory- Seychelles Unveils Refurbished National Landmark

One of Seychelles’ most treasured landmarks officially began a new chapter on 13 June 2026 as the newly refurbished Victoria Clock Tower was unveiled to the public.

Standing proudly at the heart of Victoria for more than 120 years, the iconic clock tower, affectionately known as Lorloz in Creole, has witnessed the remarkable journey of Seychelles from a British protectorate to the modern republic we know today.  Following an extensive restoration project, visitors and residents will once again be able to admire the monument in its full splendour.

A Symbol of Seychelles History

The Victoria Clock Tower was erected on 1 April 1903 in memory of Queen Victoria and has since become one of the most photographed landmarks in Seychelles. Often cited as one of the world’s smallest capital cities’ defining features, the tower has stood at the busy intersection of Independence Avenue, Albert Street, State House Avenue, and Rue Pierre de Possession for generations.

Manufactured by the British company Gillett and Johnston of Croydon, England, the structure was one of a series of “Little Big Ben” clocks inspired by the famous clock tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.

Remarkably, despite standing for over 121 years, the clock tower had never undergone a complete refurbishment until now.

Restored by Its Original Manufacturer

In a unique and historic collaboration, the restoration was carried out by Gillett and Johnston (Croydon) Ltd, the very company that originally manufactured the clock tower more than a century ago.

The project was led by specialists working alongside the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA) and the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council (SNHRC), ensuring that every effort was made to preserve the monument’s authenticity and historical significance.

Gerald Coombes-Winyard, an expert from Gillett and Johnston, previously described the clock as being in remarkably good condition for its age despite never having received a full refurbishment.

The restoration involved carefully dismantling sections of the clock tower, restoring the clock and chiming mechanisms, replacing deteriorated internal components, and ensuring the tower could continue operating accurately for future generations.

More Than Just a Clock

For many Seychellois, the Victoria Clock Tower is much more than a landmark. It is a symbol of national identity and a silent witness to over a century of social, cultural and political change.

The late Seychellois historian Tony Mathiot once described the tower’s inauguration in 1903 as an event that introduced “a new chapter in the history of our islands.”

Over the decades, the clock tower has seen Seychelles evolve from colonial rule to independence and eventually to republican sovereignty.

One of the monument’s most fascinating stories is that although the tower was installed in 1903, its chimes were not heard until September 1999, when an electronic mechanism was introduced. Following this latest restoration, the clock’s chimes will once again ring out across Victoria, reconnecting the capital with an important piece of its heritage.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

According to SNICHA, the restoration was undertaken to ensure the long-term preservation of one of Seychelles’ most important cultural assets.

The entire refurbishment process has been documented and will form part of a special exhibition that accompanies the unveiling. The exhibition will allow visitors to learn more about the history of the monument and the intricate work involved in restoring it.

As the refurbished clock tower was officially unveiled on 13 June in a ceremony attended by the President and dignitaries, as well as Seychellois and visitors alike who were invited to celebrate the preservation of a national treasure that has stood at the centre of island life for more than a century.

Today, the Victoria Clock Tower remains not only a reminder of Seychelles’ past, but also a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving its heritage for generations to come.

Fast Facts About Victoria Clock Tower

• Unveiled: 1 April 1903
• Age: 121 years
• Built in memory of Queen Victoria
• Manufactured by Gillett and Johnston, Croydon, England
• Inspired by London’s famous Big Ben
• Originally painted black
• Repainted silver in 1935 during King George V’s Jubilee celebrations
• Arrived in Seychelles in nine shipping crates
• Chimes first heard in 1999
• Commonly known locally as Lorloz

The unveiling on 13 June marks not just the restoration of a clock tower, but the celebration of a landmark that continues to tell the story of Seychelles.