Galle Fort Clock Tower: The Sentinel of Time 

Standing tall upon the Moon Bastion, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the bustling Galle International Cricket Stadium, the Galle Fort Clock Tower is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic colonial monuments. For over a century, this four-story stone structure has served as both a timekeeper for the town and a silent witness to the island's shifting history.

The Clock Tower standing majestic against the evening sky on the Moon Bastion.

A Tribute in Stone

Unlike many colonial structures built purely for military or administrative purposes, the Galle Clock Tower has a more personal origin story. It was constructed in 1883 to honor Dr. Peter Daniel Anthonisz, a celebrated burgher physician who served the people of Galle with great distinction.

The cost of the tower was largely covered by public subscriptions from the grateful citizens of Galle, while the clock itself was a gift from a wealthy patient of the doctor, Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse. This communal effort makes the tower a unique symbol of local appreciation for service and humanity.

Architecture & Design

The tower is a four-tiered stone structure that fits seamlessly into the rugged basalt and coral ramparts of the fort. It stands at the highest point of the Moon Bastion, which was originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch.

• The Clock Mechanism: The original clockwork was manufactured in London and remains remarkably accurate to this day.
• The Stonework: The tower's heavy masonry is designed to withstand the salty sea air and the fierce winds of the monsoon seasons.
• The Silhouette: From the outside, it provides the "classic" silhouette of Galle Fort, often appearing on postcards and travel brochures alongside the nearby Lighthouse.

The Best Sunset Spot

While the tower is impressive from the ground, its location on the ramparts makes it a premier destination for photography. As the sun begins to set over the Indian Ocean, the tower is bathed in a golden hue.

From the base of the tower, you can look down into the Galle International Cricket Stadium. On match days, the ramparts around the clock tower become a "free grandstand" where hundreds of locals and tourists gather to watch world-class cricket with the ocean at their backs.

Exploring the Ramparts

The Clock Tower is the perfect starting or ending point for a walk along the fort's walls. Since the fort is a living UNESCO World Heritage site, the walk offers a blend of nature and history.

• Moon Bastion: The massive fortifications beneath the tower where you can see ancient cannons still pointing out to sea.
• The Main Gate: Just a short walk from the tower is the impressive British-built gate, still bearing the Royal Coat of Arms.
• Star & Sun Bastions: Further along the wall, these offer different perspectives of the coastline and the town's interior.

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions