Tour guide of Herceg Novi

The Clock Tower, built in 1667 by order of Sultan Mahmud, was more than just a timekeeper – it served as the main gate to Herceg Novi during Ottoman rule. Standing 16 meters tall, with clocks on all four sides, it dictated the rhythm of daily life, marking times for prayer, gatherings, and trade. Inside its passageway stands the sculpture known as the “Black Madonna,” carved from charred wood. According to legend, Perast sailors, after surviving a fierce battle in 1687, vowed to carve an icon from the very wood that had shielded them during the fight. Today, the Clock Tower remains one of Herceg Novi’s defining landmarks – its silhouette proudly features on the city’s coat of arms. The modern electric clock, installed in 1995 and said to be a gift from friends in Zemun, continues the long tradition of timekeeping. As you stroll through Nikola Đurković Square, the tower’s enduring presence watches over the heart of the city.