The Englishman’s Tower (Sahati i Inglizit)

Historic Building and Tower in Shkodër

Exterior Shot Of The Englishman’s Tower Shkodër

CC BY-SA 4.0 / NV

Tucked in the historic quarters of Shkodër, the Englishman's Tower (Sahati i Inglizit) is one of Albania's most intriguing architectural relics — part clock tower, part legend, and part personal crusade. Officially recognized as a cultural heritage monument since the 1960s, this 19th-century structure still stands as a striking blend of English romanticism and Ottoman-era craftsmanship.

A Victorian Dream in the Balkans

The tower was built in the late 19th century, financed by Lord Alfred Paget, an English nobleman who settled in Shkodër during the final decades of Ottoman rule. Paget arrived not only as a gentleman traveller but also as a missionary, hoping to introduce Protestantism to Albania — a bold ambition in a deeply Catholic and Muslim region. His residence featured an oriental-style reception hall, carved wooden ceilings, and a small chapel where he intended to hold services. The tower itself was conceived as a bell tower for what he envisioned as the first Anglican church in the city.

Local resistance quickly put an end to his religious mission. Catholic clergy, with the support of the Austrian consul, protested his activities, and the Ottoman authorities eventually intervened, forcing Paget to abandon his plans. His grand residence remained a private home, and the tower — instead of ringing church bells — would soon take on a new purpose entirely.

From Mission Tower to City Clock

After his mission failed, Lord Paget adapted the building by installing a large three-dial clock, transforming the structure into Shkodër's central timekeeper. Its chimes echoed across the city, and the tower became both a landmark and a fire-watch point, prized for its panoramic views of the surrounding rooftops. Yet as time wore on, the mechanism fell out of sync — a symbol, perhaps, of the shifting tides of Shkodër's history.

In 1949, the building was repurposed once again, becoming the People's Museum, and its outer structure still bore traces of the original clock. Under communist rule, the mechanism was removed and transferred to Gjirokastër Fortress, but after 1990, the tower and residence were returned to their rightful owners.

A Unique Piece of Architecture

Architecturally, the Englishman's Tower is a rare find. Standing 16.35 meters tall with octagonal stone walls half a meter thick, it's the only structure in Shkodër that recalls a medieval castle or English château. The lower sections are built from small, rough-hewn stones, while the upper levels feature finely sculpted masonry — suggesting either multiple builders or a deliberate contrast in design.

Inside, stone steps cantilever from the inner walls, connecting five narrow platforms. Arched windows, carved stone frames, and an ornamental balustrade crown the upper level, giving the tower both elegance and solidity. Despite its utilitarian purpose, the craftsmanship feels refined — as though Paget intended his tower to be not just functional but symbolic, a fusion of European romanticism and Balkan resilience.

Today, the Englishman's Tower stands as one of Shkodër's most fascinating curiosities — a monument to cultural collision, personal conviction, and timeless architecture. Whether you come for the history, the story of the eccentric English lord, or the craftsmanship itself, this unusual landmark captures the adventurous spirit that defines Shkodër's layered past.

The The Englishman’s Tower (Sahati i Inglizit) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Shkodër!

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