Sarajevo Clock Tower
A 17th-century marvel in Sarajevo, famous for its unique 'ala Turca' timekeeping where midnight aligns with sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unique timekeeping, always visible
Sarajevo Clock Tower
Best Time
Unique timekeeping, always visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century marvel in Sarajevo, famous for its unique 'ala Turca' timekeeping where midnight aligns with sunset.
"An incredible architectural gem that do not exist anywhere else in the world."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture both the clock tower and Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque in one frame from across the street. :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Understand the Time
The clock shows midnight at sunset ('ala Turca' time). It's a unique historical feature! :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Ala Turca' Time Display
Sarajevo Clock Tower
Witness a rare timekeeping system where midnight is set at sunset, a unique historical and cultural marvel.
Architectural Gem
Sarajevo Clock Tower
An iconic 17th-century tower, a testament to Ottoman architecture and a beloved landmark in the city.
Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque Courtyard
Across from the Clock Tower
Explore the mosque's courtyard and enjoy wonderful baked goods from the on-site bakery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding 'Ala Turca' Time
Viewing Access & Nearby Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
BIH Travel Tips
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture both the clock tower and Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque in one frame from across the street. :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Understand the Time
The clock shows midnight at sunset ('ala Turca' time). It's a unique historical feature! :clock1:
Can’t wait to see your city
Spending a week in Sarajevo with every detail planned, but I'd love to hear from you as a local—what's your dopest moment or most authentic experience in the city?
🥖 Courtyard Bakery
Grab delicious treats from the bakery inside the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque courtyard. :bread:
🚶♂️ Not for Climbing
Entry inside the tower is not permitted for tourists, but the exterior is stunning. :noentrysign:
Sarajevo for a week. Tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture both the clock tower and Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque in one frame from across the street. :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Understand the Time
The clock shows midnight at sunset ('ala Turca' time). It's a unique historical feature! :clock1:
🥖 Courtyard Bakery
Grab delicious treats from the bakery inside the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque courtyard. :bread:
🚶♂️ Not for Climbing
Entry inside the tower is not permitted for tourists, but the exterior is stunning. :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sarajevo Clock Tower as a remarkable architectural gem and a unique historical landmark, especially for its 'ala Turca' timekeeping system. Its prime location opposite the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque offers excellent photo opportunities. While entry is not permitted, its exterior beauty and cultural significance are widely appreciated.
"The clock tower of Sarajevo is a great addition to the centre and being next to the Tower of the Mosque is awesome!
You can see how in one street you can capture both towers, perfect for pictures if you ask me!"
Son Livan
"The significance of the old Sarajevo clock tower located near the Gazi Husref-bey mosque goes beyond local traditions. It is believed that this very clock tower is the only one in the world still using once important but today very unusual standard of time. Even among the locals, there are those who pass by this ancient clock tower without even asking themselves what this specific time means. Many foreigners taking one glimpse at it conclude simply that it stopped working a long time ago but, the truth is quite the opposite. Its timekeeping is impeccable and the standard of time it uses is rare and unique.
The specific timekeeping used by this clock tower is referred to as the “ala Turca” time and its distinct feature is showing midnight at the moment of sunset.
The clock has 12 dials and shows midnight at the exact moment of sunset which is the moment when one day ends and another day begins in Islamic tradition. Five minutes on this clock correspond to five minutes on our modern clocks, the only difference being the starting point of the timekeeping.
For anyone who comes to Sarajevo, please don’t miss to observe the Sarajevo Clock Tower, which in my opinion, is an incredible architectural gem that do not exist anywhere else in the world. I am glad to have seen it myself, and as a Muslim, I am proud that it still exists till today. Kudos to the time keepers of the clock tower as well as the people of Sarajevo."
Rahmah Ramli
"The clock tower is located across from the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque. If you want to see the clock tower from a different angle, you can enter the inner courtyard at the bottom. There is a bakery inside. Their products are wonderful."
lG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sarajevo Clock Tower is centrally located in the Baščaršija old town, making it easily accessible on foot. It's a short walk from most hotels in the city center. Trams also run nearby if you're coming from further afield.
Parking in the Baščaršija area can be challenging due to its pedestrianized nature. It's best to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages on the outskirts of the old town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Sarajevo Clock Tower from the outside is free of charge. It's a public landmark accessible to everyone.
Unfortunately, tourists are not permitted to enter and climb the Sarajevo Clock Tower. Its historical significance is appreciated from the exterior.
As the tower is an exterior landmark, it can be viewed at any time of day or night. However, the surrounding Baščaršija area is most vibrant during daylight hours and early evening.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tower uses a unique 'ala Turca' time standard, where midnight is synchronized with sunset. This means the 12 dials reset daily, a rare system reflecting Islamic tradition.
Built in the 17th century, the Sarajevo Clock Tower is a significant historical monument. It's one of the few remaining structures that still adheres to the 'ala Turca' timekeeping method.
The clock tower is located directly across from the magnificent Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque. The mosque's courtyard also features a popular bakery with delicious products.
Absolutely! The clock tower, especially when framed with the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque, makes for stunning photographs. The unique time display also adds an interesting element.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Baščaršija area surrounding the clock tower is filled with restaurants and cafes offering traditional Bosnian cuisine. The bakery in the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque courtyard is also a highly recommended spot for quick bites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and focus on the visual aspect. Explain the 'ala Turca' time in simple terms – like a clock that 'listens' to the sunset. It's a quick, educational stop that adds to the overall experience of the historic old town without requiring a long attention span.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day to catch the best light. The tower is also a great subject for night photography when illuminated. Don't forget to explore the mosque's courtyard for alternative angles and to capture the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding Baščaršija.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique 'Ala Turca' Time
This unique standard means the clock's 'midnight' shifts daily with the sunset. While many locals and visitors might not immediately grasp its significance, it's a fascinating glimpse into historical timekeeping practices. It's a rare example of a functioning clock still adhering to this ancient standard, making it a truly special landmark.
For visitors, understanding this 'ala Turca' time adds a layer of appreciation to the clock tower. It's not just an old building; it's a living piece of history that continues to operate on a rhythm dictated by the sun, a concept that feels both ancient and profoundly connected to nature.
Photography Opportunities
Many visitors find that capturing both the clock tower and the mosque in a single frame creates a powerful image that encapsulates the spirit of old Sarajevo. The intricate details of both structures, set against the backdrop of the bustling old town, make for compelling compositions. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
While you can't go inside, the exterior details and the unique 'ala Turca' time display offer plenty of visual interest. Experiment with different angles, perhaps from within the Gazi Husrev-Bey Mosque's courtyard, to get varied perspectives. The tower is also illuminated at night, offering a different photographic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit