Victoria Clock Tower & Market
Lorloz / Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
The silver clock tower landmark of one of the world's smallest capitals; nearby you can stroll through the bustling central market, a Hindu temple and Creole-style streets.
Victoria is the capital of Seychelles, with a population of only about 26,000, making it one of the world's smallest capitals, and it can be explored on foot in half a day. The silver cast-iron clock tower in the city center, known locally as Lorloz ('little clock'), was built in 1903 in honor of Queen Victoria. It was modeled on a clock tower on Vauxhall Bridge Road in London and is Seychelles' best-known landmark. Nearby attractions are worth a stroll. Two blocks north is the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (Victoria Central Market), with fresh tuna, red snapper, tropical fruit, spices and handicrafts. The second floor has food stalls and souvenir shops, and it is busiest on Saturday mornings (about 6:00 to 17:00; on Saturdays it closes at 14:00, and it is closed on Sundays). Also nearby are the colorful Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple, the National Museum and the National Botanical Gardens (around SCR 100 to 300, where you can see giant tortoises and coco de mer palms), and Creole-style wooden houses and street murals. Transport: the Mahé bus terminal is in the city center, from where you can catch buses to all parts of the island. Note: Victoria is quiet on weekends and in the evenings, so plan shopping and dining for weekday daytime.
Opening hours
Bell tower open all day; market Mon–Fri approx. 06:00–17:00, Sat until approx. 14:00, closed Sun
Nearby sights
- Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
- Copolia Trail
- Beau Vallon Beach
- Mission Ruins of Venn's Town
- Morne Seychellois National Park
- Sainte Anne Marine National Park
- Port Launay Marine National Park
- Anse Major Trail