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Clock Tower of Kotor

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Clock Tower of Kotor is one of the most recognizable symbols of the UNESCO-protected Old Town, standing prominently in the Square of Arms, the city's main plaza. Built in 1602 during the Venetian administration under Governor Antonio Grimaldi, the tower displays a unique blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural elements. It is constructed from the light-colored local limestone that characterizes the entire town. In front of the tower stands the Pillar of Shame, a small stone pyramid where, during medieval times, convicts were publicly shamed before the townspeople. The structure has demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving several major earthquakes, including the catastrophic 1979 tremor, which left the tower slightly tilted. It features two clock faces, facing north and west, and its bells continue to chime every hour, dictating the daily rhythm within the stone walls. As the first major landmark encountered after entering through the Main Gate, it serves as a central meeting point for residents and visitors alike.

Location: Montenegro
Top sights: Karampana · Maritime Museum (Former place of Grgurina family 18th century) · The Grgurina Palace
Nearby: Prcanj (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	8	12	16	20	24	24	19	14	10	6
Rain mm	156	152	138	103	89	67	42	43	116	138	187	178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Clock Tower of Kotor stands on the main square and can be freely viewed from outside at any time. The tower's interior is typically not open to visitors.

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Typical hours

As a public monument, the clock tower is visible 24 hours a day. Best photos are taken late morning when the sun lights up the west side.

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Photography

Photography from outside is unrestricted. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the tower and the surrounding square in one frame.

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Time needed

Viewing the clock tower itself takes just a few minutes. Allow time to linger on the square and soak up the atmosphere.

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Combine with

The clock tower is on Kotor's main square, right next to St. Tryphon Cathedral and the city walls. A walk through the old town of Kotor is the excellent complement.

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Getting there

Kotor is easily reached by car or bus from neighboring towns. The main square is in the pedestrian zone - best to park on the outskirts.

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Insider tip

Sit for a moment in one of the cafés on the square and enjoy the view of the clock tower. In the evening, when the tower is lit, a particularly romantic atmosphere sets in.

Geography

Coordinates

42.42510, 18.77110

Facts

Built in 1602 under the mandate of Venetian Governor Antonio Grimaldi.
Located in the main Square of Arms (Trg od Oružja).
Features a stone Pillar of Shame used for medieval punishments.
Survived the 1979 earthquake but remains slightly tilted today.
Combines distinct Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.
Equipped with two clock faces and a historic ringing bell.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon<1 km · SEExplore →

Upper Vrmac Fortress2 km · SWExplore →

Dobrota3 km · NExplore →

Njeguši3 km · EExplore →

Vratlo Pass4 km · NEExplore →

Prcanj4 km · NWExplore →

Tivat Airport4 km · SWExplore →

Lovcen National Park4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Clock Tower of Kotor (10)

Karampana

Fountain in Kotor, built in the 17th century. Stone-edged water basin.

Maritime Museum (Former place of Grgurina family 18th century)🏛 museum

Maritime museum in Kotor, Montenegro. Exhibition on seafaring history.

🌐 montenegro.travel🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00; Sa,Su,PH 09:00-18:00💶

The Grgurina Palace 🏰 castle

Palace of the noble Grgurina family, built in the 18th century in Baroque style. Stone balconies with balustrades.

Church of Saint Luke

Church in Montenegro. 12th-century Romanesque building in Kotor.

Black poplar from 1667

Black poplar planted after the 1667 earthquake in Kotor. Old tree.

St. Anna church

Church in Kotor. Small place of worship in the old town.

Cat's museum🏛 museum

Museum in Kotor dedicated to cats. Exhibition of cat-related objects.

The Drago Palace🏰 castle

Palace in Kotor. Historic building in the old town.

The Palace Bizanti🏰 castle

Palace of the Bizanti family, built in the 14th century. Façade facing Arms Square and Flour Street.

Church of St Nicolas

Serbian Orthodox church in Montenegro. 19th-century church in Kotor.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly in Kotor is the clock tower located?

It stands on the Square of Arms (Trg od Oružja), directly opposite the main entrance to the Old Town.

From which century does the tower date?

The tower was built in 1602 during the Venetian rule.

Why is the tower slightly tilted?

After the 1979 earthquake, the tower tilted slightly to the west.

Can you climb the tower?

No, the tower is not open to the public; it can only be viewed from the outside.

What is located in front of the clock tower?

In front of the tower stands the 'Pillar of Shame,' where punishments used to take place.

Clock Tower of Kotor: where is it located?

Clock Tower of Kotor is located in Montenegro.

Clock Tower of Kotor: what is there to see?

Highlights include Karampana, Maritime Museum (Former place of Grgurina family 18th century), The Grgurina Palace.

Clock Tower of Kotor: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Clock Tower of Kotor: why is it worth visiting?

The Clock Tower of Kotor is one of the most recognizable symbols of the UNESCO-protected Old Town, standing prominently in the Square of Arms, the city's main plaza.

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