Clock Tower

Kulla e Sahatit (the Clock Tower of Tirana) is a historic landmark in the heart of Tiranë, located at Tiranë, Albania beside Et'hem Bey Mosque. Built during the Ottoman period, it has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols and has served as a cultural monument for decades.

History

Construction began in the early 1820s under Et'hem Bey and was completed around 1830 as Tirana grew into an important regional center. The tower has undergone several renovations, including the installation of a German clock mechanism in 1928, repairs after World War II, and a major restoration completed in 2010 that preserved much of its historic character.

Architecture

Standing approximately 32.5 meters (107 feet) tall, the tower is built from carefully cut stone with thick masonry walls typical of Ottoman civic architecture. Its current form combines original 19th-century construction with later additions, including a viewing balcony reached by an interior spiral staircase. Decorative stone carvings and the historic bell remain notable architectural features.