Clock Tower of Tirana, Tirana

The Clock Tower of Tirana was built in 1822 by Haxhi Et’hem Bey, the same figure associated with the completion of the neighboring mosque. At the time of its construction, the tower was not just decorative; it helped mark the hours for public life in a much smaller Ottoman-era town. Rising to about 115 feet, the tower was once among the tallest structures in Tirana.

Its appearance changed notably in 1928, when the upper section was altered to accommodate a larger clock mechanism and clock faces. The first clock mechanism is associated with watchmaker Ismail Tufina, and the Tufina family remained connected with the tower’s clock for many years. Later replacements followed, including a Chinese-made clock installed in 1970.

For visitors, the tower is best understood together with the Et’hem Bey Mosque. Its stone lower section, lighter upper part, clock faces, balcony, and roof show how the structure has been repaired and adapted over time. When access is available, visitors can climb the narrow interior staircase of about 90 steps to reach the viewing platform. From the top, the view opens over Skanderbeg Square.