The Clérigos Church and Tower is a Baroque church and bell tower in the historic centre of Porto, designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos. The church was built from 1732 and the tower from 1754 to 1763, and the tower rises about 75 metres above the street.
The church, the tower and the Brotherhood house between them are part of the Historic Centre of Oporto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see at the Clérigos Church and Tower
- Tower: a granite bell tower about 75 metres high, reached by 225 steps, with a view over Porto, the Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia from the top.
- Church: the church has an elliptical plan, which its managers describe as the first church in Portugal built on this plan, and a gallery that runs around the nave.
- High altar: gilded carved wood and coloured marble in the chancel.
- Museum of the Brotherhood: rooms of the former Brotherhood house, built from 1754 to 1758, with sculpture, painting, furniture and silverware.
History of the Clérigos Church and Tower
- December 1731: the Brotherhood of the Clérigos approves Nicolau Nasoni's design for the church.
- April 1732: work on the church begins with the foundations, and continues to 1749.
- 1753: Nasoni presents the design for a single bell tower, which replaces the two towers first planned on the sides of the church.
- 1754: work on the tower begins.
- July 1763: the tower is finished with the iron cross at the top and the statue of São Paulo above the door.
- 1910: the church and tower are classified as a National Monument.
- 2018: the Museum of the Brotherhood joins the Portuguese Museum Network.
Visiting the Clérigos Church and Tower
- Location: the complex stands at the top of Rua dos Clérigos, a short walk from Livraria Lello.
- The climb: the 225 steps of the tower rise in a narrow spiral staircase.
- Tickets: the Clérigos website publishes current opening times and prices.
Places to visit in Porto
Porto, Portugal
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Serra do Pilar
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Serra do Pilar
Palácio da Bolsa
Palácio da Bolsa
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello
Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro
You're reading Clérigos Church and Tower article
Clérigos Church and Tower
Church of São Francisco
Church of São Francisco
São Bento Station
São Bento Station
Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral
Serralves
Casa da Música
Casa da Música
Bolhão Market
Bolhão Market
History of Porto
History of Porto
Visiting Porto