Grand Serail (Government Palace)
Grand Serail: Lebanon's Seat of Power
Hamidiye Clock Tower: Beirut's Ottoman Timekeeper
Explore the Hamidiye Clock Tower in Beirut, a symbol of Ottoman heritage and resilience, standing tall in the heart of the city since 1897.
The Hamidiye Clock Tower, a prominent historical landmark in downtown Beirut, stands as a testament to the city's Ottoman past. Built in 1897 to commemorate Sultan Abdul Hamid II's coronation, the tower served as a public clock for Muslim prayer times. Restored in 1994 after sustaining damage during the Lebanese Civil War, it remains a significant symbol of Beirut's heritage.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hamidiye Clock Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
VGW2+MM7, Beirut, LB
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Getting There
Walking
From Martyrs' Square, walk east towards the Grand Serail. The Hamidiye Clock Tower is located near the Grand Serail in Downtown Beirut. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport
Take a local bus heading towards the city center. Buses can be found on Hamra Street. The bus fare is around 2,000 LBP. Alight near the Grand Serail and walk a short distance to the clock tower.
Taxi
Hail a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem. Inform the driver you want to go to the Hamidiye Clock Tower in Downtown Beirut. A short taxi ride within Downtown Beirut costs approximately 5,000 to 15,000 LBP, depending on traffic.
Local tips
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Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
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Explore the surrounding area, with its numerous cafes and shops.
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Check for local events, as the square often hosts cultural gatherings and performances.
Discover more about Hamidiye Clock Tower
The Hamidiye Clock Tower, also known as the Ottoman Clock Tower, is located in downtown Beirut, near the Grand Serail. Constructed in 1897, the tower celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II's coronation. Designed by architect Youssef Aftimus, it addressed the need for a public clock to indicate Muslim prayer times, especially given the presence of Western-style clock towers built by foreign institutions.The tower's foundation stone was laid on January 9, 1897, coinciding with the Sultan's birthday. The 25-meter-tall structure was once the tallest in Beirut. Its construction involved local materials, including Beirut sandstone, Jounieh limestone, Damascene basalt, and Deir el Qamar red stone. The tower houses a 300kg bell on its third floor, accessible via 125 cast iron steps. Four miniature orientalist-style balconies adorn this floor, with large clock faces imported from France above them.During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the clock tower suffered significant damage. It was meticulously restored in 1994 to its original glory. Today, the Hamidiye Clock Tower faces Lebanon's parliament and symbolizes Beirut's Ottoman heritage and cultural evolution.
A brief summary to Hamidiye Clock Tower
Use Hamidiye Clock Tower as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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