Colombo Fort Old Lighthouse & Clock Tower

The Colombo Fort Old Lighthouse & Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, carrying with it the charm and history of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Located in the heart of the Fort area, the tower once served a dual purpose—functioning both as a lighthouse guiding ships into the harbor and as a clock tower keeping time for the bustling city. Architecturally, the tower is simple yet elegant. Its whitewashed exterior and lantern top stand tall amidst the modern government buildings and colonial-era structures that surround it. While visitors cannot go inside, just standing near it gives you a sense of its importance in the 19th century, when it was a central part of Colombo’s daily life. What makes it fascinating is the story it tells. Once essential for sailors and townsfolk, its lighthouse function was eventually retired as newer buildings blocked the beam. Yet, the clock continues to mark time, symbolizing continuity in a city that has transformed dramatically over the years. If you are exploring the Fort district, this landmark is a must-stop. It doesn’t demand hours of your time, but it offers a glimpse into Colombo’s layered history, making it a rewarding spot for photography, reflection, and understanding the city’s journey from past to present.

The Old Colombo Lighthouse & Clock Tower is one of those rare landmarks where history, architecture, and charm converge beautifully. Standing proudly since 1857, it originally served a dual purpose as both a lighthouse guiding ships into the harbour and a clock tower marking time for the city. Designed by Emily Elizabeth Ward, wife of Governor Sir Henry Ward, its elegant British colonial architecture still commands admiration today. Though ships no longer rely on it for navigation, the tower remains a proud symbol of Colombo’s maritime heritage. The old lantern room once housed a powerful rotating light and was visible far out to sea. Today, the clock crafted by the same makers as London’s Big Ben, still keeps time over the bustling Fort area. Walking past it, surrounded by modern buildings and busy streets, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It's incredibly well-preserved, and the blend of history and urban energy makes it a must-see in Colombo. If you appreciate colonial architecture and historic monuments, this iconic clock tower is absolutely worth the visit.

My Visit to the Old Colombo Clock Tower During my recent trip to Colombo, I had the chance to visit the historic Old Colombo Clock Tower, a landmark that stands as a silent witness to the city’s colonial past. Located near the Colombo Fort area, the tower once served a dual purpose—as both a clock tower and a lighthouse. As I approached, I was struck by its elegant British architecture and the sense of timelessness it carried. Built in the 19th century, it remains one of the oldest landmarks in the city, its clock still ticking reliably through the decades. The tower stands tall amidst the bustle of modern Colombo, offering a striking contrast between the old and the new. My visit to the Old Colombo Clock Tower was a brief but meaningful experience—one that reminded me of the importance of preserving historical landmarks in a rapidly changing world.

Here’s an eye-catching image of the Old Colombo Lighthouse (Clock Tower), situated in the historic Fort district of Colombo—an elegant colonial-era landmark that beautifully blends function with architectural charm. ⸻ Old Colombo Lighthouse & Clock Tower – Colombo’s Historic Beacon Overall Impression Standing tall in the heart of Fort, this structure combines grace and history in one compact silhouette. Its clean white façade and stately presence still catch your eye among modern urban bustle—a reminder of Colombo’s layered past. ⸻ Historical Significance Built as a clock tower between 1856 and 1857, the tower was designed by Emily Elizabeth Ward, wife of Governor Sir Henry George Ward, and constructed by the Public Works Department under John Flemming Churchill . With a height of 29 meters, it held the title of Colombo’s tallest structure at the time . The clock mechanism was crafted by Dent, the same famed company behind the Big Ben clock . Originally adapted briefly as a lighthouse—complete with a rotating dioptric lantern and kerosene-powered light—it served dual purposes before being decommissioned in 1952, when nearby buildings began blocking its beam . ⸻ Key Features • Iconic colonial architecture: A whitewashed brick tower with stone trim and a classic lantern structure atop. • Clockwork by Dent: Precision engineering ties this local landmark to global heritage. • Historical duality: Initially both a timekeeper and maritime guide—now purely a clock tower. • Location: At the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha, neighbored by the Central Bank and old Fort buildings . ⸻ Visitor Experience The tower remains a photogenic spot for visitors and history enthusiasts alike. Easily reachable on foot while exploring Fort, it’s surrounded by grand colonial structures that evoke nostalgia and quiet reflection. Though access inside is restricted, standing beneath it connects you to more than a century of city lore. ⸻ Recommendations • Best Time to Visit: Mornings or evenings for soft light that highlights the white façade. • Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the Dutch Hospital, Presidential Secretariat, Galle Face Green, or the Old Parliament Building for a full historical walk. • Timing: 10–15 minutes is enough to soak in the view—perfect for photos or quick history stops. ⸻ Final Thoughts The Old Colombo Lighthouse & Clock Tower is a humble yet powerful symbol of Colombo’s colonial past and architectural heritage. It’s a slender silhouette with a story etched in brick and time—a small but significant chapter in the city’s narrative.

It’s a combination of a clock tower and a lighthouse, i have checked at nights too, the lighthouse doesn’t light-up at night, like the one at Galle.

Time stands tall in the heart of Colombo 🕰️🏛️ The Colombo Fort Old Clock Tower is more than just a timekeeper — it’s a slice of colonial history quietly watching over the city’s busy streets. Built in the 19th century, it once served as both a lighthouse and a clock tower, guiding ships and marking time for the island. While you can’t go inside, its striking colonial architecture and timeless presence make it a worthy stop on any walking tour of the Fort area. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings and modern bustle, it’s a perfect reminder of how old and new coexist in Colombo. 📍Historic landmark 📸 Great for a quick photo stop ⏳ A quiet icon in a fast-moving city

And old colonial clock and an icon of Colombo Chatham street is also very nice with many colonial buildings I’m sure this should be part of your itinerary No many Lights were on and it was a bit bark as a results of current crisis in Sri Lanka Try not to miss the longest ganging chandelier in Asia at coin museum

Chatham Street in Colombo is a charming destination, adorned with a collection of colonial buildings that exude historical elegance. Despite the challenges brought about by the current crisis in Sri Lanka, it remains a must-visit location. Be sure not to overlook the impressive, record-breaking chandelier at the Coin Museum, which happens to be the longest hanging chandelier in all of Asia. Nestled at the intersection of Chatham Street and the road previously known as Queens Street (now Janadihipathi Mawatha) in Colombo Fort, you'll discover an exquisite Victorian Clock Tower. This tower serves as the starting point for measuring distances from one city to another, instead of calculating the center of Colombo. It's an iconic landmark known as the Lighthouse Clock Tower.