Sahat Kulla (Clock Tower), Rahovec

Sahat Kulla (the Clock Tower) is located in the Gradina neighborhood, in the old center of Rahovec. It was built by Mahmut Pasha Rrotulli at the end of the 18th century. Above the door on the north-eastern side, in carved stone, there is an inscription in the Ottoman language – the year of construction according to the Hijri calendar 1206, which corresponds to the year 1792.
Sahat Kulla has a strategic position, representing the highest point in the silhouette of Rahovec. It served to orient the inhabitants to the time and as a strategic observation point.
Sahat Kulla has a rectangular plan, built with stones of different shapes, bound with lime mortar. The stones at the corners of the base are carved in a rectangular shape, thus creating pronounced corners along the four facades. The building is not plastered, so the structure of the masonry is clearly visible.
The upper part is covered with a hipped roof, covered with lead plates. Above the hipped roof extends the lookout with a square plan, where the bell is placed. This lookout is also covered with a hipped roof, with lead plates.
Entrance to the Sahat Kulla is through external stone stairs, placed on the north-eastern side. The stone stairs lead to the wooden entrance door, with a semicircular frame of carved stone. From the door, inside, there are wooden stairs that lead to the upper part.
In the interior of the Sahat Kulla is the clock mechanism, with the engraved inscription LEOPOLD DPABEINGER in SSJENN A793, which means the year of production 1793. The clock that was placed in the tower does not work and has been preserved in the premises of the Museum of Rahovec.
During 2009-2010 the Sahat Kulla was completely restored, and a new clock was installed.
With its position dominating the landscape of the town and its characteristic form, the Sahat Kulla in Rahovec is a monument of special historical, artistic, social and scientific importance.