Old Colombo Lighthouse (Clock Tower)
Old Colombo Lighthouse
A clock tower at a crossroads in Fort, built in 1857 and used as a lighthouse for nearly a century. It is a landmark of the old colonial city.
This clock tower was completed in 1857. It was originally a timekeeping clock tower near the Governor's residence, and from 1867 it was fitted with lamps and served as the Colombo Harbour lighthouse until a new lighthouse opened in 1952. The tower is built of brick and stone and stands about 29 metres tall, at the intersection of Chatham Street and Janet Street in Fort. Surrounding it are colonial buildings such as the Presidential Secretariat and the old post office. Visitors can only view it from outside, and it fits well into a walking route with the Old Dutch Hospital and Galle Face Green. Photography is prohibited in the nearby security zone.
Opening hours
All day (exterior only)
Nearby sights
- Old Dutch Hospital Precinct
- Colombo Fort
- Galle Face Green
- Pettah Market
- Dutch Period Museum
- Port City Colombo
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
- Lotus Tower