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Krujë Watch Tower
Kulla e Kalasë së Krujës
Watch Tower of Krujë
Type	Watchtower
Location	Krujë, Albania
Coordinates	41°11′02″N 19°33′45″E / 41.18383°N 19.56260°E / 41.18383; 19.56260
Height	17.2 m (56 ft)
Built	11th century
Owner	Municipality of Krujë
Cultural Monument of Albania
Type	Cultural
Criteria	Cat. I
Designated	16 October 1948 15 January 1963 10 June 1973
Reference no.	1866

The Watchtower of Krujë (Albanian: Kulla e Kalasë së Krujës) is a monument of cultural heritage located in Krujë, Albania. It was first recognized as a cultural heritage site by the Institute of Sciences through decision no. 95 on October 16, 1948. Subsequent designations were made by the rectorate of the State University of Tirana under decision no. 6 on January 15, 1963 and by the Ministry of Education and Culture via reference no. 1886 on June 10, 1973.

History

Kalaja e Krujës, situated on a rocky ridge separated from Mount Sarisalltëk and the nearby hill formations, is a fortress with notable architectural features. At its highest point, a small section was constructed to serve as a fortified redoubt and the seat of the feudal lord. The external perimeter of this section, which coincides with the fortress’ walls, is bordered by sharp, unclimbable rocks. Within the internal dividing wall, two quadrangular towers were built.

One of these towers, located at the corner, bears evidence of multiple construction phases. When this part of the fortification lost its defensive function, it was adapted into a clock tower. English artist Edward Lear captured the clock tower in several watercolor sketches of Krujë during his visit on September 29–30, 1848. The clock tower is mentioned in the works of various Albanian scholars, including Edith Durham and Austrian consul Theodore Ippen, in the early 20th century.

Originally constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries (or possibly earlier), it is one of the oldest observation towers still standing in the country. Various authors have described it as a bell tower, which later gained its clock function in the 17th century. Due to its strategic location and design, the tower seamlessly transitioned to its new role as a civic clock, serving the local bazaar and town residents.

Architecture

Typologically, the clock tower belongs to the Category II type of clock towers, characterized by two floors and classified as the second subvariant of the first variant of this type.

The tower’s height varies depending on the terrain. On the southwest-facing side, the height from the base to the roof top is 15.75 meters, while the northwest-facing side reaches 17.2 meters. The tower’s structure transitions from a pyramidal shape at the base to a prismatic form with a square plan at the top. Its lower section measures 7.8 x 8.05 meters, above the base on the southwest side. The upper open area measures 6.02 x 6.07 meters. The masonry material is primarily composed of limestone bound with mortar, with some sections incorporating bricks. The walls are notably thick, with the lower section being 1.9–2.35 meters while the mid sections are 1.16–1.84 meters. Quadrangular columns support the open bell area. End columns measure 1 x 1 meter, while intermediate columns are 0.7 x 0.8 meters. Above, wooden beams reinforce the structure.

The tower has two entrances, one facing southwest and the other northeast — a rarity, as most clock towers typically have a single entrance.

The Krujë fortress, including the clock tower, sustained significant damage during the powerful earthquake of 1617.

References

1. "Monumentet e Kulturës në Qarkun e Durrësit" (PDF). iktk.gov.al. Instituti Kombëtar i Trashëgimisë Kulturore. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
2. Çoku, Dritan (2021). Kullat e Sahatit në Shqipëri. Tiranë: Fondacioni Alsar. pp. 325–348. ISBN 978-9928-319-38-8.

• Cultural Monuments of Albania
• Clock towers in Albania
• Watchtowers