The Clock Tower was built in 1867 and is one of the surviving Revival-era symbols of former Gorna Dzhumaya. It was erected when the town was developing as a craft and trading centre, at a time when public timekeeping directly shaped the rhythm of everyday life.
Craftsmen and clock mechanism
According to Bulgarian National Television, the tower was built by craftsmen from the Maleshevo region, while the clock mechanism was made by the brothers Dimitar, Atanas and Georgi Dimkov from Gorno Brodi. The bell marked the hours and helped regulate the working day of local craftsmen.
Architecture and its place in the old town
The municipal development plan describes the tower as approximately 17 metres high, with a massive stone base, a timber section housing the mechanism and a pointed roof. The site was among the higher points in the north-eastern part of the town at the time, in an area known for its warm mineral springs.
Plan Your Visit
Include the tower as a short historic stop while walking between the centre and the older parts of Blagoevgrad. Combine it with Varosha, the museum, Presentation of the Virgin Church and Macedonia Square. Do not rely on permanent visitor access to the interior; viewing it from outside is the most reliable option.