The Clérigos Tower

The Torre dos Clérigos

The Porto audio-guided tour presents you with the Torre dos Clérigos, a seventy-six-metre tower that is among the most emblematic symbols of the city.

A bell tower become a landmark of the city

Built in the eighteenth century at the same time as the Church of the Clergy to which it is attached, the Torre dos Clérigos is the work of the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Separated from the building, as was common in Italy, it optimised the acoustics of the bells and created a spectacular visual landmark. Nasoni, who built many buildings in Porto, is buried in the church. Long the tallest tower in the country, it also played unusual roles: it served for a time as a lighthouse to guide sailors on the Douro, and received in the nineteenth century the optical telegraph, equipped with mobile arms transmitting signals at a distance.

What there is to see

The Torre dos Clérigos dominates Porto with its Baroque silhouette, and its climb rewards the brave with a 360-degree panorama over the city and the Douro. The Church of the Clergy, to which it is attached, also deserves a glance. It is an essential landmark, a witness of the genius of Nicolau Nasoni and of the history of the city.

Practical information

The Torre dos Clérigos is in the centre of Porto, attached to the Church of the Clergy. The climb to the tower is made according to hours to be checked on site; access is generally subject to a charge and includes many steps.

Why is the Torre dos Clérigos separated from the church?

Because its Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, followed the Italian custom of separating bell towers, to optimise the acoustics and the visual impact.

What unusual roles did the tower play?

It served as a lighthouse for sailors on the Douro and received in the nineteenth century the optical telegraph.