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Clérigos Tower tickets, opening times and things to see
The skyline of Porto is already stunning, but one building stands out above the rest. It’s the Torre dos Clérigos.
This 75-metre-high bell tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and you can climb it! Just be prepared for a bit of a workout, because there’s no elevator.
While the climb may not be ideal for everyone, it’s a favourite among visitors of all ages. Your ticket also includes access to the Clérigos Church and a small museum, making it more than just a viewpoint. If you like amazing views and history, the Clérigos Tower and Church are a must-see in Porto!
We visit Porto regularly and always enjoy the many miradouros (viewpoints), but the view from here is definitely the best. In addition to the tower, you can also visit the beautiful church. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the evening light shows held inside the church.
Here’s what to expect, whether it’s worth the climb, and how to make the most of your visit.
What to expect at the Clérigos Tower and Church
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Clérigos Tower history
The history of Torre dos Clérigos (Tower of the Clerics, which are clergy members) dates back to 1753. The Clérigos Brotherhood asked Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni to design a bell tower in Porto this year. Construction started in 1754, and the Clérigos Tower opened in July 1763.
The bell tower is 75 meters high, and you’ll have to climb 225 steps to reach the top. The staircase is a bit of climbing, but well worth it!
From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Porto! With clear weather, you can see as far as the Atlantic Ocean!
Torre dos Clérigos, with its baroque decoration and characteristics, has been a national monument since 1910 and has become a true icon in the city. The granite landmark offers some of the best views over Porto and is well worth a visit.
Igreja dos Clérigos
The famous church, Igreja dos Clérigos, is the oldest part of the Clérigos complex. The Irmandade dos Clérigos received a land donation to build their church.
Architect Nicolau Nasoni was also responsible for this design, and construction started in April 1732. It was the first church in Portugal constructed with an oval floor plan.
Another unique feature of the church is the gallery surrounding the entire nave. The interior has a single nave made from granite and marble surrounded by baroque carvings.
As you see the tower and church interior, you’ll walk along a gallery, which offers stunning views of the beautiful baroque finishing inside Igreja dos Clérigos.
The gallery contains multiple windows and is decorated with marble and carvings. The dome shows the coat of arms of the Brotherhood of Clérigos in fake granite, which rests on six pillars. Construction of the church finished in 1749, and the chapel was extended later.
The main chapel is embellished with a marble altar and a rococo-inspired altarpiece, with a design by Manuel dos Santos Porto, in which a throne crowned by the image of the patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption.
On the sides of the altarpiece, the co-patron saints São Pedro ad Vincula and São Filipe Néri stand out.
The main chapel is flanked by the chair and the two Iberian or “Portuguese” pipe organs, which were constructed simultaneously in 1774. The chair was finished in 1777, and the organs were completed two years later.
Torre dos Clérigos Museum
The museum is located in a section that was once the house of the Clérigos Brotherhood, Casa da Irmandade (1754-1758. During your visit to Torre dos Clérigos, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about this part of history.
You’ll visit multiple rooms where you can find a collection of art, sculptures and religious artefacts. The Museu da Irmandade dos Clérigos has been part of the Portuguese Museum Network since August 28, 2018.
The life of Nasoni and baroque architecture
In Portugal, Baroque art prevailed between the end of the 17th century and the middle of the 18th century. Baroque is an art of contrasts, and the irregularity and exaggeration of forms characterise the architecture of Clérigos.
The granite facade of the church contains some fantastic decorative work, and architect Nasoni constructed one of the most beautiful buildings in the city’s history.
It was the most emblematic work by the architect, but he was also responsible for the construction of the Misericórida Church and the aesthetic renovation of the sacristy and chancel of the Porto Sé Cathedral.
Nasoni entered the Clérigos Brotherhood and is buried in the crypt of the Clérigos Church. He died on August 30, 1773. The exact location was unknown until 2015, when, during renovation works, the tomb was discovered underneath the main altar.
Clérigos Tower tickets
Tickets to the Clérigos Tower, Church, and Museum cost €10.00 per person. It is recommended that you buy tickets for Torre dos Clérigos online. You can visit the complex immediately without standing in line with skip-the-line tickets.
On certain occasions, such as Easter and Christmas, the doors open in the evening from 7 to 11 PM. These Torre dos Clérigos tickets cost €5.00, but you cannot access the museum with a night ticket, as it will be closed.
A guided tour inside the Clérigos Tower is available for €9.50 per person. Sometimes, there are also multimedia shows inside the church. Tickets are €10.00 per person.
The entrance to the tower is in the middle of the building. Visitors can also get tickets here. The doors to the church are at the intersection of Rua dos Clérigos and Rua Arquitecto Nicolau Nasoni.
Clérigos Church and Tower opening hours
The Clérigos Church and Tower are open daily from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. Torre dos Clérigos is closed on January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st.
You can join an English mass in the Clérigos Church on Saturday at 5 PM. There is a Portuguese service on Sunday morning at 9.30 AM.
How do you get to the Porto Bell Tower?
The Clérigos Tower is located in the heart of Porto. The exact location is Rua de São Filipe de Nery, with access to public transport. The nearest train station is São Bento, a 6-minute walk from the church.
From Ribeira old town in Porto, or Vila Nova de Gaia, you can also take line 207 from Cordoaria towards Campanhã, which stops in front of the tower.
From Ribeira by foot, it takes around 15 minutes. The path is partially up a hill, so an Uber or Bolt is an easy way to travel if you struggle to walk long distances.
Some fun Clérigos Tower facts
- Torre dos Clérigos is the highest bell tower in Portugal
- The Clérigos Tower is 75 meters tall
- Besides the tower, you can visit the famous church and an exhibition
- The church and tower were constructed in the eighteenth century
- It was the most emblematic work by architect Nicolau Nasoni
- Nasoni was buried in an unmarked tomb, but it was discovered in 2015
- The single nave has an oval floor plan, which was a first in the country
Did you catch a rainy day?
Other nearby attractions in Porto
Porto is an amazing city with many more highlights to discover. After the Clérigos Tower, you can head over to the nearby bookstore, Livraria Lello. The interior of the shop is totally different, but just as awe-inspiring!
Another architectural highlight is the Cathedral Sé and the Bishop’s Palace of Porto. For more religious architecture, the Church of Saint Francis is fantastic.
With high hills, Porto is also a city with many incredible viewpoints. You can see the Douro River making its way between the old town Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia, and a boat tour on the river is incredible to discover the six bridges of Porto.
Vila Nova de Gaia is also great for wine and Port tastings. Or enjoy seeing the beautiful Bolsa Palace in the heart of the city.
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FAQ
Is it worth going up the Clérigos Tower?
Yes! The tower is 75 meters tall and is built on a hill. From the top, you have one of the best views of Porto. You will see the tower as well as the church Igreja dos Clérigos and an exhibition.
How long does the Clérigos Tower take?
You need about one hour to see the Clérigos Church and Tower.
How many steps are there in the Clérigos Tower?
You will climb up six floors and 225 steps to reach the top. It’s well worth it as you’ll enjoy an incredible view from the highest bell tower in Porto.
What is the name of the famous tower in Porto?
The famous tower in Porto is called Torre dos Clérigos. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and offers panoramic views over Porto from the top.
Planning your visit to Torre dos Clérigos
If you’re visiting Porto, climbing Torre dos Clérigos is absolutely worth it, especially if you enjoy viewpoints and don’t mind a bit of a workout.
The climb to the top is part of the experience, and once you get there, you’re rewarded with one of the best panoramic views over the city.
Since your ticket also includes access to the church and museum, it’s easy to turn this into a well-rounded visit rather than just a quick stop.
Plan to spend around an hour here, and if you can, try to time your visit for sunset or one of the evening light shows for an even more memorable experience.
Other Porto must-see attractions:
- 25 best sights in Porto for your itinerary
- Discover the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa
- Best Porto boat tours, including the 6 Bridges Cruise
- Miradouros Porto: 8x fantastic viewpoints with the best panoramic views
- Livraria Lello bookstore, the most beautiful bookstore in the world!
- Clérigos Tower tickets, opening times and things to see
- The must-see Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace
- 20 ideas for what to do in Porto when it rains
- Discover the beautiful golden São Francisco Church
- Book an amazing Port Wine tasting in Porto
- Visit the Wine Experience Museum at the WOW District
- Love rosé wine? Visit the Pink Palace at WOW!
- Beautiful contemporary art at the Serralves Museum
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