Bulgaria's Plovdiv now has a new attraction - an ancient water clock measures time on Sahat Tepe hill

published on 10/5/25 9:05 AM

Photo: BNR-Plovdiv

An ancient water clock known as clepsydra, restored according to ancient models, has been unveiled on the top of Sahat Tepe Hill in Plovdiv. The only clock of this type installed outdoors in Bulgaria has become the city's newest attraction.

The replica of the clepsydra is made of brass, copper, iron and granite and consists of two parts. The months, hours and minutes are written on top, and below is the water mechanism that drives the entire system. The new attraction is located near the television tower.

The history of the clepsydra in Plovdiv takes us back to the Roman era. According to historical sources, a similar water clock existed in the former ancient city of Philippopolis between 126 and 161 AD. It was erected in the temple of the goddess Venus. Another prototype of it existed at the foot of the Sahat Tepe hill in 193 AD.

Such devices were a real rarity in the ancient world - similar ones can be found only in Athens and Alexandria.

Today's clepsydra is the work of the Plovdiv master Viktor Limonov - the eighth generation in the craft and the author of the bell of the clock tower on the Plovdiv Tepe. The Trimontium Association donated 40,000 leva for its construction.

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English version: R. Petkova

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Bulgaria's Plovdiv now has a new attraction - an ancient water clock measures time on Sahat Tepe hill

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