Clock tower of Belgrade fortress to open to visitors

BELGRADE - The clock tower of the Belgrade fortress, built in the 18th century - from 1740 to 1789 - will be opened to visitors on Thursday, April 10.

Once the reconstruction of access routes and works on the clock mechanism are complete, the tower will once again be open to sightseers every day.

The clock tower (Sahat-kula) is situated above Sahat-kapija, a gate that was named after it. The gate is the main entrance to the upper section of the Belgrade fortress.

Its appearance, characterised by prominent baroque elements, is a testimony to the period it was built in. Clock towers were a recognisable part of Turkish town centres, but were rarely present inside fortresses, which makes the Belgrade clock tower a unique example.

The clock has a central mechanism, weights and two gongs, and it can run for about a week between windings.

Standing 27.5 metres tall, the Sahat-kula is one of the few buildings inside the Belgrade fortress that have not sustained major damage over time, and has retained all of its authentic architectural and stylistic features.

Photo Tanjug/R. Prelic