Processing your payment

Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
#8 out of 21 in Porto

Clérigos Tower

Climb the iconic, Baroque-style Clérigos Tower in central Porto for stunning panoramic views of the city's skyline and the Douro River.
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of this venue.
Clérigos Tower
Light projections inside Clérigos Church during the Spiritus show in Porto.
Performers at light show inside Clérigos Church, Porto.
Performer playing violin at Clérigos Church light show, Porto.
Spectacular light show at Spiritus, Clérigos Church, Porto, with audience seated inside.
Clérigos Church facade in Porto, Portugal, showcasing baroque architecture.
Clérigos Church interior with ornate altar and wooden pews, Porto, Portugal.
Light show at Clérigos Church, Porto, with audience watching vibrant blue and yellow projections.
Clérigos Church interior with vibrant purple light display during Spiritus event.
Colorful light projections inside Clérigos Church during Spiritus event, Porto.

Spiritus Multimedia Show at Clérigos Church

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
30 min

  • Enjoy entry to Porto's landmark Clérigos Church for a 30-minute light and sound show that stimulates your senses and offers a deep dive into Porto's history.

  • A combination of the church's Baroque architecture, 3D animations, lasers, and orchestral music creates an immersive atmosphere.

  • The show is inspired by Álvaro de Campos’ poem and creates an environment that stimulates thought and reflection.

More details

  • Enjoy entry to Porto's landmark Clérigos Church for a 30-minute light and sound show that stimulates your senses and offers a deep dive into Porto's history.

  • A combination of the church's Baroque architecture, 3D animations, lasers, and orchestral music creates an immersive atmosphere.

  • The show is inspired by Álvaro de Campos’ poem and creates an environment that stimulates thought and reflection.

from
€10
Clérigos Church tower in Porto with people walking nearby.
Tourists with guide inside Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória, Porto, viewing ornate gold interior.
Tourist guide explaining Porto Cathedral in Porto, Portugal.
Colorful buildings along Porto river with boats near the boarding point.
Tourists enjoying a food break with drinks and snacks at an outdoor cafe.
Visitors on a guided tour inside Clérigos Church, Porto, observing ornate altar and artwork.
Porto Cathedral cloister with ornate arches and blue azulejo tiles.
Tourist group on guided tour inside Porto Cathedral, Portugal, viewing blue azulejo tiles.
Guide standing inside the Porto Cathedral near stone arches.
Tourists with guide overlooking Porto, Portugal cityscape.
Scenic view of Porto, Portugal with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Tourists with guide inside Porto Cathedral, Portugal, near ornate altar.
View from Porto Cathedral overlooking Porto, Portugal, with cityscape and historic architecture.
View from Porto Cathedral overlooking city rooftops and distant hills.

Clérigos Tower Guided Tour with Porto City Highlights

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr

  • Enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Porto's most iconic landmarks, including the Porto Cathedral, São Bento da Vitória Monastery & Clérigos Church, and the Clérigos Tower.

  • Explore the city's medieval heart as you pass the iconic Livraria Lello, with context that goes beyond photos.

  • All throughout, you'll be accompanied by an expert in a choice of seven different languages, so you miss out on any detail whatsoever.

  • Explore the interior of São Bento da Vitória Monastery and end the experience with an exclusive local tasting tied to Porto’s traditions.

  • End your experience with a tasting of the most delicious local beverages and food at a secret stop, for the ultimate conclusion to remember your day by.

More details

  • Enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Porto's most iconic landmarks, including the Porto Cathedral, São Bento da Vitória Monastery & Clérigos Church, and the Clérigos Tower.

  • Explore the city's medieval heart as you pass the iconic Livraria Lello, with context that goes beyond photos.

  • All throughout, you'll be accompanied by an expert in a choice of seven different languages, so you miss out on any detail whatsoever.

  • Explore the interior of São Bento da Vitória Monastery and end the experience with an exclusive local tasting tied to Porto’s traditions.

  • End your experience with a tasting of the most delicious local beverages and food at a secret stop, for the ultimate conclusion to remember your day by.

from
€43

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.

Similar things to do in Porto

Lello Library's ornate staircase and bookshelves in Porto, Portugal.
Livraria Lello Ticketsfrom $18.41
Visitors taking a selfie with a statue at FC Porto Museum, Porto, Portugal.
FC Porto Tours and Ticketsfrom $8.66
Train crossing Dom Luís I Bridge over Douro River in Porto, Portugal.
Douro Valley Toursfrom $28.86
Mother and child exploring a cacao exhibit at a Porto museum.
WOW Porto - The Cultural Districtfrom $18.47
Avenida dos Aliados in Porto with equestrian statue and city hall in the background.
Porto: Day Tours From Portofrom $53.11
Modern pink art deco building with reflecting pool at Serralves Park, Porto.
Serralves Foundation from $17.32
Fado musicians performing in a Port wine cellar, Portugal.
Fado Showsfrom $23.09
Barrels aging wine in Calem Caves, Porto, Portugal.
Calem Cavesfrom $23.09
Couple enjoying pink ball pit at Pink Palace Porto.
Pink Palace Portofrom $23.09

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.

AddressR. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Also known asTorre dos Clérigos
Year opened1750
Founded byNicolau Nasoni
Visitors per year120000

Did you know?

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?

Panoramic views

The Clérigos Tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Porto's historic center, stretching out to include the city's medieval streets, landmarks and the Douro River. You can catch a glimpse of the Porto Cathedra, the Dom Luís I Bridge and the São Bento Railway Station.

Baroque architecture

One of the defining features of Baroque architecture found in the Clérigos Tower is its dynamic aesthetic, which is evident in the elaborate ornamentation that includes intricately carved wooden balustrades and richly decorated ceilings. The tower's interior spaces showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the Baroque period.

Photography opportunities

The Clérigos Tower offers countless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning images of Porto's skyline and historic landmarks. Whether capturing the tower's elegant silhouette against the backdrop of a vibrant sunset or framing the cityscape and Douro River from its summit, visitors can create lasting memories through photography.

Nighttime visits

Climbing the 240 steps of Clérigos Tower in Porto offers stunning views of the city's landmarks. You can see the historic Ribeira District, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the imposing Porto Cathedral. The scenic Douro River and bustling Avenida dos Aliados, are also visible and add to the panorama. At night, the city lights create a magical scene, reflecting on the river and highlighting the beauty and character of Porto.

Historical significance

As one of Porto's most iconic landmarks, the Clérigos Tower and Church hold significant historical importance alongside Porto Cathedral. Visitors can learn about the city's cultural heritage and the contributions of architect Nicolau Nasoni, who left a lasting legacy with his designs.

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

Address

R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal

Nearest Metro station

Aliados stop

Nearest Tram station

Carmo stop

Browse by themes

Landmarks in Porto
Douro River Cruise
Food & Drink in Porto
Entertainment shows in Porto

Nearby cities to explore

See all
Things to do in Lisbon
Things to do in Lisbon
Portugal
Things to do in Portimao
Things to do in Portimao
Portugal
Things to do in Albufeira
Things to do in Albufeira
Portugal
Things to do in Algarve
Things to do in Algarve
Portugal
Things to do in Funchal
Things to do in Funchal
Portugal
Things to do in Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Spain
Things to do in Seville
Things to do in Seville
Spain
Things to do in Cordoba
Things to do in Cordoba
Spain
Things to do in San Sebastian
Things to do in San Sebastian
Spain
Things to do in Malaga
Things to do in Malaga
Spain

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

1/4

Slide 1 of 4
We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind
Download app section background

We've served 48 million+ guests and we are here for you

48 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime