Clock Tower of Tirana, Tirana

The Clock Tower of Tirana, known in Albanian as Kulla e Sahatit, is a 115-foot tall clock tower built in 1822. The tower is located near Skanderbeg Square, between Lulishte Park and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. It offers a unique and beautiful vista of the city from its viewing platform.

Construction of the tower was completed in 1822 by Etehem Bey Mollaj in the Islamic style. It was the tallest building in Tirana at the time it was built. The clock was assembled by watchmaker Ismail Tufina. The Tufina family continued to oversee the clock through 1973 when the communist regime forcibly removed them.

The clock was severely damaged in 1916 during World War I. A new clock was not installed until 1928, which was also installed by the Tufina family. An additional construction and new roof were required in order to install this new, larger clock face. These upper floors were once again destroyed during World War II. The clock has been replaced twice since 1946. Today, it holds a Chinese clock that was added in 1970.

Renovations over the years have allowed the public to access the viewing platform by climbing a narrow case of 90 wooden stairs. Access to the Clock Tower of Tirana is free.