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Sighișoara Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is the iconic landmark of Sighișoara and the most significant structure within its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally built in the 14th century to defend the main gate of the fortress, it was partially reconstructed after a major fire in 1676, when it gained its distinctive Baroque roof. Standing 64 meters tall, the tower features a unique clock mechanism with two dials and seven wooden figurines representing the days of the week. These figures rotate at midnight, marking the passage of time for the town's residents. Beyond its defensive role, the tower served as the seat of the City Council until 1556 and now houses the town's History Museum. The open gallery at the top gives panoramic panoramic views of the colorful old town streets and the Târnava Mare valley. The tower's architecture blends the sturdy Gothic base with the decorative Baroque elegance of its roof, covered in bustling glazed tiles.
- Location: Mureș, Romania
- Top sights: Camera de tortură · Casa Breslelor · Sighișoara History Museum
- Nearby: Cristuru Secuiesc (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 32 | 43 | 56 | 85 | 108 | 98 | 72 | 56 | 52 | 40 | 38 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The tower reaches a total height of 64 meters to the tip of its roof.
- The clock mechanism was modernized in 1648 by expert Swiss clockmakers.
- The roof is covered with colorful glazed tiles in shades of yellow, red, and blue.
- Seven wooden figurines rotate each night at midnight to represent the days of the week.
- The walls of the tower are 2.35 meters thick at the ground level.
- Until 1556, the Clock Tower served as the official seat of the Sighișoara City Council.
Explore nearby
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Sights in the town Sighișoara Clock Tower (10)
Sighișoara History Museum🏛 museum
History museum in Romania, covering the past of Sighișoara.
Tanners' Tower
Defense tower of the medieval fortifications, built in the 14th century.
Piața Rățuștelor,
Small square in the old town, named after the duck fountain.
Sighișoara City Hall
Town hall in Romania, seat of the local administration.
Globus
Stone globe on a pedestal, a historical monument on the hill.
Holy Trinity Church
Church in Sighișoara, built in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do the figurines on the clock tower move?
What is inside the clock tower?
Can you go all the way to the top of the tower?
Do you have to pay an entrance fee for the tower?
Is the climb difficult for elderly people?
Sighișoara Clock Tower: where is it located?
Sighișoara Clock Tower: what is there to see?
Sighișoara Clock Tower: when is the best time to visit?
Sighișoara Clock Tower: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
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