Clérigos Tower
Experience panoramic views of Porto from the top of Clérigos Tower with discounted tickets.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
The tower has 240 steps to reach the top, so wear comfortable shoes and take breaks when needed. If you have mobility concerns, suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo, consider skipping the ascent.
If you plan to visit the Clérigos Tower at night, it's advisable to carry a torch or flashlight with you, especially for climbing the stairs as it may have low lighting, making it difficult to navigate in the dark.
To avoid long queues, consider booking your tickets and guided tours online in advance. This ensures you have guaranteed access to the tower and can plan the visit around your schedule.
If you visit during the weekend, you might witness one or two weddings taking place at the Clérigos Tower. It's a lovely sight to see! Consider bringing some rice to throw at the newlyweds, as its tradition in Portugal.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting the Clérigos Tower early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunset offers a particularly magical atmosphere, and you won't need flashlights as much when climbing the stairs during dusk.
Top things to do in Porto
About Clérigos Church and Tower
Experience Porto's past at the Clérigos Tower, a 75.6 meter tall towering testament to the city's Baroque architecture. Ascend its dizzying heights on a 240 step staircase for a bird's-eye view of Porto. Plan your visit in advance by booking tickets and guided tours online, ensuring a seamless exploration of this cultural treasure.
In 1753, the Clérigos Brotherhood commissioned Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni to design a bell tower. Work commenced in 1754, culminating in the completion of Porto's iconic Clérigos Tower in July 1763.
At 76 meters (249 feet) tall, the Clérigos Tower is the tallest campanile in Portugal. A campanile is a tall, freestanding bell tower, typically associated with churches or religious buildings.
The primary function of the Clérigos Tower is to house a carillon of 49 bells, which form a large musical instrument capable of producing melodic tunes and chimes.
The Clérigos Church and Tower are part of an eighteenth-century Baroque construction, it is designed on a steep sloping street and is visible from almost anywhere in the city.
Long ago, the Clérigos Tower acted as a guide for boats arriving in Porto's Ribeira district, similar to Lisbon's Torre de Belém.
Why visit Clérigos Church and Tower?
Highlights
Clérigos Tower
The Clérigos Tower was built as a bell tower for the Clérigos Church. It is 76 meters tall, approximately the height of 19 adult giraffes standing on top of each other. To reach the summit, you have to climb a winding staircase of 240 steps; from there, you get a stunning panoramic view of Porto’s streets and the Douro River. The tower exhibits quintessential Baroque characteristics, such as combining straight lines with curved motifs and embellishing the facade with ornamental symbols such as cartouches, garlands, and scrolls.
Clérigos Church
Clérigos Church is a place of worship designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, and approved by the Clérigos Brotherhood in December 1731. The construction commenced in April 1732. Clérigos church was revolutionary, boasting Portugal's first oval plan and a unique feature — a gallery encircling the nave, allowing for comprehensive observation of the entire space. The church also features stunning Baroque architecture, similar to the tower.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
Access to the main entrance of Clérigos Tower is conveniently located at the base of the tower, easily accessible from the streets in Porto's historic center. Visitors can reach the entrance on foot from nearby attractions or utilize public transportation options such as buses or trams. The waiting time to enter can vary significantly throughout the day and season. During peak hours, such as mid-morning to early afternoon, visitors may experience longer queues, with waiting times ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour. To avoid extended waits, planning your visit during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, is advisable.
The last entry to Clérigos Tower is 30 minutes before closing, ensuring visitors have sufficient time to enjoy the experience.
However, there are exceptions to the regular operating hours on specific dates: On December 24 and December 31, the tower stays open from 9am to 2pm. On December 25 and January 1, the visiting hours are from 11am to 7pm.
Audio guides are offered to enhance the exploration of Clérigos Tower.
Toilets are available for visitors' convenience at Clérigos Tower.
Wheelchair access is facilitated by elevators, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with mobility challenges at Clérigos Tower.
Elevator access provides easy navigation to different levels of the Clérigos Tower, enhancing the experience for all visitors.
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