Seychelles Landmarks and Monuments

(Seychelles, SC, Africa)



Picture of the Seychelles Lorloz Clock Tower on Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, MaheA colonial history stretching back over two centuries has left the Seychelles with a number of monuments worth a visit. These range from a prominent clock tower in the middle of Victoria, to a former slave school (the Mission Lodge) situated at Mont Fleuri, on the coast of Mahé.

In total, around thirty monuments in the Seychelles are protected because of their architectural, historic or archaeological significance. The majority of the main landmarks, oldest monuments, Creole buildings and colonial structures can be found on the island of Mahé.


Further image of the Lorloz Clock Tower in Victoria

Clock Tower (Lorloz)

Address: Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Victoria's Clock Tower, also known as 'Lorloz', is the most familiar and photographed of all the landmarks in the Seychelles. Positioned on the junction of Independence Avenue and Francis Rachel Street, it is essentially the hub of the town. If you have been to London and you think the clock looks familiar, then that's probably because it's actually a replica of the one that can be found on Vauxhall Bridge Road in London, affectionately named 'Little Ben'. It's only in relatively recent years that the clock has been in full working order. Restoration of the clock was carried out by the original manufacturing company, who finally repaired the chiming mechanism that had been defective from the time of the clock's arrival in Victoria in 1903.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Old Courthouse / Supreme Court

Address: Corner of Francis Rachel Street / Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Located right next to the Victoria Clock Tower, close to the Natural History Museum and just across from the UK High Commission is the Old Courthouse. Hard to miss, the Old Courthouse has traditional Creole architecture and an imposing appearance. Continue along the Francis Rachel Street and adjoining Albert Street to enjoy a further selection of colonial buildings, which add much character to this part of Victoria.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

State House

Address: State House Avenue, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Built in 1910, the State House is one of Victoria's best known colonial buildings. Within its grounds is the hillside grave of Jean Baptiste Queau de Quincy, an 18th-century governor who is mostly remembered today for the legendary ease with which he surrendered the colony to a passing British ship. Seat of the President of Seychelles, the white-washed State House comes with a lengthy balcony and is surrounded by established tropical landscaped gardens.
Open hours: daily - view from the exterior only
Admission: free

Photo of the Bicentennial Monument (Twa Zwazo), a contemporary landmark on Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahe

Bicentennial Monument (Twa Zwazo)

Address: 5th June Avenue / Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Known by the islanders of Mahé as 'Twa Zwazo', which translates as 'Three Birds', it's impossible to miss this key landmark on the landscape of Victoria. Comprising three pairs of curved white wings and positioned at the junction of Independence Avenue and 5th June Avenue, the Bicentennial Monument was erected in 1978 and represents the bringing together of the European, African and Asian heritage that makes up the islands of the Seychelles, as well as symbolising the indigenous population of birds - the island's earliest inhabitants.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

View of the modern Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar landmark, Quincy Street, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar

Address: Quincy Street, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Tel: +248 04 32 47 01
Standing out against its backdrop of lush green hills, this striking Hindu temple is the only one to be found in the Seychelles and is a relatively new addition to the town of Victoria, being constructed as recently as 1992. Named after the Hindu god of both prosperity and safety, Lord Vinayagar, the temple stands close to the centre of Victoria and features a prominent and very colourful ornate tower (gopuramgopuram).
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 12:00, 17:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

St. Paul's Cathedral

Address: Olivier Maradan Street, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
St. Paul's Cathedral replaced the original church which stood on this site and was destroyed during a particularly dramatic cyclone in the mid-19th century. After mounting maintenance costs and structural problems, it was decided to completely rebuild and remodel the cathedral in 2001, with work being completed in 2004 and marked with a large consecration ceremony. In terms of architecture, this Anglican cathedral is a relatively simple affair, with a bright white facade and ornate towers, fronted by the obligatory tropical palm tree or two.
Open hours: daily - for the celebration of mass
Admission: free

Photograph showing the ruins of the Mission Lodge in Mont Fleuri, Mahe

Mission Lodge

Address: Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Tel: +248 04 67 05 00
Situated in Mont Fleuri on the island of Mahé, the Mission Lodge was originally known as Venn's Town and was set up in the late 19th century by a Missionary Society. The lodge came into being in order to educate the first black slaves to be freed in the Seychelles. Today, the ruins of this former school are clearly visible. Visitors can also enjoy some truly spectacular views over the mountains and sea from a special lodge vantage point.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Dauban Mausoleum

Address: Silhouette, Seychelles, SC, Africa
The Dauban Mausoleum is an impressive piece of architecture and a National Heritage landmark, being set amongst the coconut trees on the island of Silhouette. The wealthy Daubans, a high-status family who lived on the island, were responsible for building this well-known mausoleum, with its six giant stone columns, ornate portico and classical Greek-inspired architecture.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

University of Seychelles (UniSey)

Address: Mahé, Seychelles, SC, Africa
Tel: +248 04 61 14 40
As recently as 2007, the president of the Seychelles decreed that it was time that a university was built and Mahé became the chosen destination. Opened in September 2009, the campus is split between Anse Royale and Mont Fleuri, and whilst student numbers are relatively low at present, they are slowly increasing as the university begins to naturally expand and gradually builds a name for itself, attracting international students.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free