Skopje Clock Tower

Skopje Clock Tower is a hexagonal structure with a sandstone base and brick upper sections rising beside Sultan Murad Mosque in the old town. The building combines elements from different periods, with a lower section from an earlier Christian site and an upper dome reflecting Russian architectural influence.

Built between 1566 and 1573, the tower survived a major fire in 1689 that damaged much of the structure. Major restoration work took place in the early 1900s to repair decades of wear.

The tower served as a call to prayer and time keeper for the community, shaping the daily routine of residents around its bells and clock chimes. It remains a gathering point where different traditions of the city come together.

The tower is located near the old bazaar and can be reached easily by walking through the narrow streets of the old town. The area around it is most pleasant during the day when you can see the structure and surrounding details clearly.

The clock mechanism was originally imported from Szeged in Hungary, creating a link between Skopje and distant European centers. This foreign piece became integral to how the tower functioned and was perceived by residents.