The clock tower - Varna

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The clock tower - Varna

Even in the middle of the XVIII th century the town of Varna disposed of a clock tower. Sahat-kula was situated in the town garden behind the nowadays building of the theater. It was used by firemen as a fire-tower. It is supposed to have been destroyed during the siege of the town in 1828 or in the great fire in Varna during the Krim war (1856-1858).
The idea a clock tower to be built was realized in 1888. At that time a mayor of the town was Krastiu Mirski. Varna municipality asked the architect Sava Dimitrievich to make a project of a 24 meters high stone fire tower with a clock. Its location was not chosen by accident. The clock tower and the cathedral marked the that time central part of the town. The building of the tower took 2 years. It was used by the firemen because the whole town could be seen from there. During daylight they warned of fire using colorful flags and during night – lanterns.

The clockwork was bought in England and put by the Bulgarian revolutionary Oton Ivanov. It is a real piece of art. It is strange that nowhere is mentioned the maker of the clockwork. It is closed in a wooden “box” to which lead winding narrow staircases. The face of the clock is situated at the front. It controls clock movement and punctuality. Via system of shafts and cogwheels the hands of the clock outside the tower move. The clockwork is set in motion by weights hanging in the middle of the tower.
When the clock needs repair its hands are moved manually. In such a way the people of Varna can always be punctual on their dates.