The clock | in the Cartagena .
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Clock Tower Torre Reloj

4.4
·64 reviews·Antofagasta, Chile

Antofagasta's iconic Clock Tower (Torre Reloj) stands proudly in Plaza Colón, a historic landmark offering a charming respite with its shaded greenery...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
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The clock | in the Cartagena .

Clock Tower Torre Reloj

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Antofagasta's iconic Clock Tower (Torre Reloj) stands proudly in Plaza Colón, a historic landmark offering a charming respite with its shaded greenery and lively atmosphere.

4.4
(64 reviews)

"A beautiful historic tower that makes a striking display and gives a solemn appearance to the place."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture Great Photos

The tower is a characteristic monument; try various angles for stunning shots, especially during golden hour.

🌳 Relax in the Plaza

Plenty of seating under palm trees offers shade and a cool spot to observe local life.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Clock Tower

The Iconic Clock Tower

Plaza Colón

A beautiful historic monument, often called the city's 'replica' of Big Ben. Its presence gives a solemn appearance to the main square.

Plaza Colón Ambiance

Plaza Colón Ambiance

Around the Clock Tower

Enjoy the tree-lined square with ample seating, shade from palm trees, and refreshing pools. A perfect spot to watch local life.

Historic City Center

Historic City Center

Near Torre Reloj

Explore the surrounding historic buildings and pedestrian areas, offering a glimpse into the city's past and architectural charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Torre Reloj

The Clock Tower (Torre Reloj) is a central landmark, often bustling with locals and visitors. For the best experience, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid peak weekend crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer pleasant lighting for photos and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Understanding the Tower's Significance

The Torre Reloj is more than just a clock; it's a historical monument. Originally a replica of London's Big Ben, it holds a special place in the city's heritage. Appreciating its history enhances the visit, making it a key point of interest in the main square.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍GUARDÁ ESTE VIDEO SI VAS A VISITAR LA CIUDAD DE ANTOFAGASTA 5 LUGARES PARA VISITAR: #1 DAR UN PASEO EN EL MERCADO MUNICIPAL #2 RECORRER LA PLAZA DE ARMAS CON SU TORRE DEL RELOJ, ODEON ESLAVO Y SACARSE UNA FOTO CON LA ESTATUA DEL LEÓN #3 VISITAR LOS EDIFICIOS HISTÓRICOS Y LA PEATONAL #4 VISITAR LA TERMINAL PESQUERA Y COMER UNA EMPANADA DE MARISCOS O UN CEVICHE #5 Y LA INSIGNIA DE LA CIUDAD CONOCE...
@rodandohacialalibertad
3.9K likes • 262.9K views

📸 Capture Great Photos

The tower is a characteristic monument; try various angles for stunning shots, especially during golden hour. InstagramReddit

🌳 Relax in the Plaza

Plenty of seating under palm trees offers shade and a cool spot to observe local life. Reddit

PASSAGE Wrapped around the clock tower @thepeninsulaistanbulhotel Complete ❤️🇹🇷 ESP: PASSAGE Envuelto alrededor de la torre del reloj @thepeninsulaistanbulhotel Ahora completo ❤️ TURKISH: Saat kulesini sarıyor @thepeninsulaistanbulhotel Artık tamamlandı ❤️ #artinresonance #penmoments #lightsculpture #lightingandart
grimanesaamoros
1K likes • 36.3K views
🇨🇴🗝️The Clock Tower Gate (Torre del Reloj) is the most iconic entrance to the Walled City of Cartagena de Indias. Originally built in the 17th century as part of the city’s fortifications, this historic landmark once served as a defensive gateway against pirate attacks. In the 19th century, the clock was added, giving the tower its distinctive look. Today, the Clock Tower is a symbol of Cartagena...
cartagenaconcierge
24 likes • 797 views

🔔 Listen for the Bells

The bells ring at the correct times, adding to the tower's charm and the plaza's ambiance. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Surroundings

Take a stroll around the main square to see historic buildings and the pedestrian area. TikTok

Monumento Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower) various angles #cartagena #cartagenadeindias #clocktower #monumentotorredelreloj #colombia #colombia🇨🇴 #reelsinstagram
oneway_roundtrip
65 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture Great Photos

The tower is a characteristic monument; try various angles for stunning shots, especially during golden hour. InstagramReddit

🌳 Relax in the Plaza

Plenty of seating under palm trees offers shade and a cool spot to observe local life. Reddit

🔔 Listen for the Bells

The bells ring at the correct times, adding to the tower's charm and the plaza's ambiance. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Surroundings

Take a stroll around the main square to see historic buildings and the pedestrian area. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(64 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Clock Tower (Torre Reloj) to be a beautiful and characteristic monument in the heart of Antofagasta's Plaza Colón. They appreciate the pleasant, tree-lined square with ample seating and shade, making it a nice place to relax and observe local life. The tower's historical significance as a replica of Big Ben adds to its charm, though some note its reduced size due to historical building regulations.

"Good nice area"

Constanza Aranda

"A nice place to visit; it's the center of Plaza Colón.
The bells ring at the right times.
There's lots of greenery around it, so it feels cool.
There's plenty of seating, and the trees provide shade. There are several pools.
One was under maintenance..."

Kathia Cranky

"It is a beautiful historic tower that stands in the center of the main square of Antofagasta, tree-lined and suggestive. The tower, although not very high, makes a beautiful display and gives a fairly solemn appearance to the place. It is very nice to stop around it, sitting on one of the benches under the palm trees, watching the comings and goings of local people who frequent this palm-shaded square. It is very busy even in the evening."

Antonio Pistore

What People Like

Beautiful historic monument
Pleasant plaza ambiance
Shaded seating areas

What People Dislike

Tower size reduced

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Torre Reloj is centrally located in Plaza Colón, the main square of Antofagasta. It's easily accessible by local buses or a short taxi ride from most parts of the city. Walking is also a great option if you're staying nearby. TikTok

Street parking can be limited in the city center. It's often more convenient to use public transport or a taxi to reach Plaza Colón directly. Reddit

Yes, the waterfront area is relatively close to Plaza Colón. A pleasant walk through the city streets will lead you to the Clock Tower. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Clock Tower and Plaza Colón are public spaces and do not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the area freely. Reddit

The plaza is accessible at all times, though the surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating hours. The tower itself is an exterior monument. Reddit

There is no admission fee for Plaza Colón. It's a public square designed for locals and tourists to enjoy. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the historic tower, relax on benches under the palm trees, watch people, and explore the surrounding shops and historic buildings. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The tower is a picturesque monument, and the plaza offers various angles for great photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. InstagramReddit

Yes, Plaza Colón is equipped with plenty of benches, many shaded by palm trees, making it a comfortable place to rest. Reddit

Yes, visitors have noted that the bells ring at the appropriate times, adding to the atmosphere of the plaza. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Plaza Colón and the city center has numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering local and international cuisine. TikTok

Antofagasta is a coastal city, so you'll find excellent seafood options nearby, including empanadas de marisco mentioned by visitors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create dramatic shots. InstagramReddit

Experiment with different perspectives from within Plaza Colón. Shots from slightly further away can capture the tower within its plaza setting. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza Colón, surrounding the Torre Reloj, is a great spot for families. The open space of the plaza allows children to move around, and the shade from the palm trees offers a comfortable respite. The pools, even if one is under maintenance, add an element of visual interest for younger visitors. Reddit

It's a safe and central location to take a break, perhaps after exploring other parts of the city. You can find nearby cafes for snacks or enjoy a simple picnic under the trees. The tower itself can spark curiosity about time and history for older children. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Torre Reloj and Plaza Colón offer excellent photographic opportunities. The tower's unique history as a 'replica' adds an interesting narrative to your shots. Reddit Aim for the 'golden hour' before sunset for dramatic lighting, or capture the tower against a clear blue sky during the day. InstagramReddit

Don't just focus on the tower; capture the surrounding plaza, the palm trees, the pools, and the local life. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create a compelling portfolio of Antofagasta's iconic landmark. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Torre Reloj

The Clock Tower, or Torre Reloj, in Antofagasta is a significant historical monument. It was originally conceived as a replica of London's iconic Big Ben, donated to Chile to commemorate the country's centenary. However, due to a local decree that prohibited buildings from being taller than the cathedral, the tower's design was modified. The parts that were removed are said to now adorn the facade of the PDI (Investigative Police) building, a curious piece of local history. Reddit

Despite these modifications, the Torre Reloj stands as a beautiful relic and a characteristic monument of Antofagasta. It anchors Plaza Colón, the city's main square, and contributes a solemn yet charming appearance to the urban landscape. Its presence is a constant reminder of the city's past and its connection to global landmarks. Reddit

Visitors often find it a beautiful historic tower that, though not exceptionally tall, makes a striking visual statement. It's a focal point for locals and tourists alike, offering a sense of place and historical continuity within the bustling city. Reddit

Experiencing Plaza Colón

Plaza Colón is the vibrant heart of Antofagasta, with the Torre Reloj as its centerpiece. The square is known for its lush greenery, featuring numerous palm trees that provide ample shade, creating a cool and inviting atmosphere even on warm days. Reddit

Visitors can find plenty of seating scattered throughout the plaza, making it an ideal spot to relax, people-watch, and soak in the local ambiance. The presence of several pools adds to the refreshing feel of the area, though one may occasionally be under maintenance. Reddit

The plaza is a hub of activity, frequented by locals throughout the day and into the evening, contributing to a lively yet pleasant environment. It's a place where you can truly experience the rhythm of daily life in Antofagasta, enjoying the blend of historical architecture and natural beauty. Reddit

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