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Sarajevo Clock Tower: A Lunar Timekeeper

Visit the Sarajevo Clock Tower, a historic landmark with a unique lunar timekeeping system, located in the heart of Sarajevo's old town.

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The Sarajevo Clock Tower (Sahat-kula), a 30-meter-tall structure beside the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, is a historical landmark and a symbol of Sarajevo. Dating back to the 16th or 17th century, it stands out as one of the only public clocks in the world that keeps lunar time, marking midnight at sunset.

A brief summary to Clock Tower

  • VC5H+MGR, Mudželiti veliki, Sarajevo, 71000, BA
  • +38762626626

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos.
  • Explore the nearby Baščaršija market for authentic local crafts and souvenirs.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the tower's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Clock Tower is located in the heart of Sarajevo's old town, Baščaršija, next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. From Baščaršija, head towards the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. The Clock Tower is located directly adjacent to the mosque.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Clock Tower via public transport, take tram lines 3 or 6 to the Baščaršija stop. From the tram stop, walk towards the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. The Clock Tower is a short walk from the mosque. A single tram fare costs approximately 1.80 BAM.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can drop you off near the Clock Tower. Tell the driver to go to 'Baščaršija' or 'Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque'. From there, it is a short walk to the Clock Tower. Taxi fares from the city center typically range from 5-10 BAM. Be sure the driver uses the meter.

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Discover more about Clock Tower

The Sarajevo Clock Tower, or Sahat-kula, is an iconic landmark in Sarajevo, standing proudly next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in the heart of the old town. Believed to have been constructed in the 16th or 17th century, this 30-meter-tall tower has been rebuilt several times due to fires and wars, but it has always been restored and maintained. The clock tower is unique because it displays lunar time, a tradition where the clock strikes midnight (12:00) at the moment of sunset. This system was essential for the Islamic community to determine the times for daily prayers. In fact, the Sarajevo Clock Tower is considered to be the only public clock in the world that still operates according to lunar time. Since the time of sunset varies each day, a timekeeper, called a muvekit, was responsible for making the delicate astronomical measurements needed to keep the clock accurate. The current clock mechanism was brought from London in 1875. The hands and numbers on the four clock faces were gilded, and the upper part of the tower was modified to ensure the clock faces were clearly visible. Today, the Sarajevo Clock Tower is a national monument, capturing the city's rich cultural and religious heritage and offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

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