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POINT OF INTEREST

Tirana Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit)

Sheshi Skënderbej, Tirana, Albania, 1000

The Tirana Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), built in 1822 by Haxhi Et'hem Bey, stands as an Ottoman-era beacon in the center of the capital city. The simple stone tower is topped with clocks on four sides and a pyramid-shaped cupola, and it shares the skyline with Et'hem Bey Mosque next door. Climb the tower for views or explore the attached museum.

The Basics

A walk through the Clock Tower's small museum reveals exhibitions on Albanian life and culture. For wide views of Skanderbeg Square and the rest of Tirana, climb the Clock Tower's 90 stone steps to reach the balconies below the clocks. At night, view the Clock Tower from the street as it's illuminated alongside the mosque’s minaret.

Small-group walking tours visit the Clock Tower, and it is a common stop on day tours of the city. Tours often also visit the Pyramid of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square, Archaeological Museum, Ethem Bey Mosque, and Presidential Palace.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Wear comfortable shoes to climb the Clock Tower.

  • The Clock Tower is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.

  • The admission ticket to the Clock Tower also gives you access to the adjacent museum.

How to Get There

The Clock Tower is located in Skanderbeg Square, next to Ethem Bey Mosque. It is close to several bus stops and easily reached on foot from most places in the city center, though you can also arrive via taxi. For convenience, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation to the Clock Tower.

When to Get There

Located in Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower is open to the public on weekdays from morning to early afternoon. It’s closed on weekends. Stop by early to beat the crowds, as the Clock Tower and the surrounding area can get busy in the afternoon.

The Many Faces of the Clock

When the Clock Tower was constructed in the 19th century, it was fitted with a bell from Venice that marked the hour. It was replaced by a German clock, which was destroyed in World War II. The replacement, from a church in Shkoder, had Roman numerals. Most recently, a Chinese-made clock graces the tower.

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