Sahat Tower and Stara Varoš
in Podgorica
Places of interest
Stara Varoš is an Ottoman-era part of the city where the oriental spirit of the old Podgorica can be felt. Clock tower, Osmanagić Mosque and Starodoganjska Mosque, Hadži-pasha Bridge are just some of the cultural monuments that are preserved in Stara Varoš today.
Much of the neighbourhood was damaged or destroyed during the bombing of Podgorica in the Second World War, but the citizens have managed to preserve the spirit and some of the and buildings. The neighbourhood was recognizable by characteristic narrow streets and high buildings, traditional Turkish bath “hamam” and many markets. One of the oldest houses in Podgorica lies here, and according to some data it was made at the end of the 16
th or early 17
th century. It was once called Čardak Krpuljević, and today, at the initiative of the Islamic Community of Montenegro, the house has been restored.
The symbol of the old and new Podgorica is the
Clock Tower (Saat Tower or Sahat Kulesi). The Tower was built at the end of the 17
th century by Mehmed-pasha Osmanagić and it is 19 meters high. This Tower is the most beautiful example of architecture remaining from the Ottoman period, which served for signaling Muslim prayer times.