What is the Galle Clock Tower?

The Galle Clock Tower is a four-storey stone monument built in 1883 inside the ramparts of Galle Fort on Sri Lanka's southern coast. It was erected by public subscription to honour Dr. Peter Daniel Anthonisz, a colonial surgeon and legislative councillor born in Galle. The clock was separately donated by a grateful patient, Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse.

Where is the Galle Clock Tower located?

The tower stands inside Galle Fort near the Moon Bastion, in the southwestern corner of the city of Galle. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is easily reached on foot from the Galle railway and bus stations.

Is there a fee to visit the Galle Clock Tower?

No. The clock tower is visible from the public streets and bastions of Galle Fort, which is an open, inhabited area with no gate charge. You can walk past and photograph it at any time without buying a ticket.

How do I get to Galle Fort from Colombo?

The most convenient option is the coastal railway from Colombo Fort station to Galle, a scenic journey of roughly two to two-and-a-half hours depending on the service. Private cars and intercity buses also connect the two cities. Once you arrive at Galle station, the fort entrance is a short walk away.

What is the best way to photograph the Galle Clock Tower?

Because the tower is tall and set close to surrounding buildings, the best viewpoint is the Moon Bastion, which faces the clock tower directly. Early morning gives the clearest light and the fewest crowds on the rampart walk.

Who built the Galle Clock Tower and why?

Residents of Galle funded the tower through public subscription as a memorial to Dr. Peter Daniel Anthonisz, a colonial surgeon known for his medical skill and public service. The clock mechanism itself was a personal gift from a patient he had treated. A plaque on the tower records this history and the year 1883.

What is the best time of year to visit Galle Fort?

November through April is generally the driest period on the southern coast, making it the most comfortable time for exploring the fort on foot. The annual Galle Literary Festival in January is a popular time to visit. The fort can be visited year-round, though the southwest monsoon brings heavier rainfall between May and September.

Galle Clock Tower — Lakpura®

The Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort.

The clock tower was built in recognition of the services of renowned Colonial Surgeon Dr. Antonisz, who was also a representative of the Legislative Council. The tower construction was funded through public subscription through the people of Galle. The clock was separately donated by Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse, who was grateful for the medical care that he received from the good doctor.

Even today a plaque can be seen stating: “This tower erected by public subscription to the perpetual memory of Peter Daniel Anthonisz (born in Galle) in testimony of his skill and benevolence in relieving human suffering. MDCCCLXXXIII”.

Please Note: While the aged clock tower is a great monument to photograph, it will take some skillful maneuvering due to the extreme angle close by. Hence it might be better to photograph it from the Moon Bastion which the tower faces.

?LK94009896: Galle Clock Tower. Images by Google, copyright(s) reserved by original authors.?