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Clerigos Tower

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

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The Clerigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) is the most iconic landmark of Porto and a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Built between 1754 and 1763 by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the tower significantly influenced the city's urban character. Standing at approximately 75 meters tall, it was for a long time the highest building in Portugal and served as a crucial navigation point for sailors on the Douro River. It is part of the Clerigos Church ensemble and is celebrated for its intricate granite stonework. Visitors must climb 225 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to reach the observation deck, which features a full 360-degree view of the old town, the river, and the port wine cellars. Since 1910, it has been designated a national monument and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of historic Porto. The structure symbolizes the city's economic and cultural peak during the 18th century.

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Location: Portugal
Highlights: Clérigos Tower · Museu dos Clérigos · Clérigos Church and Tower
Nearby: Gondomar (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	12	14	16	18	20	20	19	17	13	11
Rain mm	138	97	112	91	60	32	13	22	49	137	137	122

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Clerigos Tower is open to visitors and can be climbed via stairs. The interior is accessible, and the ascent leads to the viewing platform.

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Typical hours

The tower is usually open daily, often from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with seasonal variations. Check the current times in advance on the official website.

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Photography

Photography is allowed inside the tower, but without flash to avoid disturbing other visitors. From the platform, great panoramic shots are possible.

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Time needed

Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for the climb and time on the viewing platform. Including waiting, it may take up to an hour.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the Clerigos Church and the adjacent Baroque district of Porto. The tower itself is part of a large church complex.

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Getting there

The tower is located in central Porto on Rua de São Filipe de Nery and is easily reached on foot. From São Bento station, it is about ten minutes.

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Insider tip

Buy your ticket online in advance to avoid queues. Visit the tower early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light over the city.

Geography

Coordinates

41.14570, -8.61460

Facts

75 meters is the total height of the bell tower.
225 steps lead to the top observation platform.
1763 was the year construction was finally completed.
Nicolau Nasoni was the Italian architect behind the design.
1996 was when it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Granite is the primary building material for the structure.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sao Bento Station<1 km · EExplore →

Porto2 km · NWExplore →

Vila Nova de Gaia2 km · SExplore →

Freixo Palace3 km · EExplore →

Valadares Castle4 km · SExplore →

Porto City Park5 km · NWExplore →

Gondomar7 km · EExplore →

📍Matosinhos8 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Motorhome dimensions

Lengthm Widthm Heightm Weightt

Sights in the town Clerigos Tower (10)

Clérigos Tower

Baroque bell tower in Porto, city landmark, 75 meters tall.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00💶

Museu dos Clérigos🏛 museum

Museum in Porto, exhibits the history of the Clérigos complex.

🌐 torredosclerigos.pt🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00💶

Clérigos Church and Tower⛪ church

Baroque church and tower in Porto, important 18th-century building.

🌐 torredosclerigos.pt🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00; Dec 24 09:00-14:00; Dec 31 09:00-14:00; D

Igreja dos Clérigos

Baroque church in Porto, designed by Nicolau Nasoni.

♿🆓

Muralhas Fernandinas (troço do Olival)

Section of the medieval Fernandinas city wall in Porto.

Galeria Romântica

Gallery in Porto, displays Romantic-era art.

Casa Comum

Cultural centre in Porto, venue for events and exhibitions.

Passeio dos Clérigos

Pedestrian street in Porto, connects Clérigos Tower to the area.

Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto - Polo Central🏛 museum

Natural history and science museum of the University of Porto, central branch.

Oratório de Nossa Senhora da Silva

Chapel in Porto, dedicated to Our Lady of Silva.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many steps does the tower have?

There are 225 steps to the top of the tower.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Especially in high season, online booking is highly recommended.

Can you see Porto from the tower?

Yes, it features one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city.

How high is the tower?

The tower is approximately 75 meters high.

Is there also a church there?

Yes, the tower belongs to the Igreja dos Clérigos, a beautiful Baroque church.

Clerigos Tower: where is it located?

Clerigos Tower is located in Portugal.

Clerigos Tower: what is there to see?

Highlights include Clérigos Tower, Museu dos Clérigos, Clérigos Church and Tower.

Clerigos Tower: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Clerigos Tower: why is it worth visiting?

The Clerigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) is the most iconic landmark of Porto and a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque architecture.

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