Torre dos Clérigos
A 75 m baroque bell tower designed by Nasoni; 240 steps lead to the best panorama over Porto's rooftops.
What it is and why the climb is genuinely worth it
Torre dos Clérigos is Porto's most visited monument, drawing over 1.5 million visitors a year — and it's easy to see why. Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni arrived in Portugal in 1725 and left behind his most iconic work: a 75.6-metre tower built between 1731 and 1763, a construction that took thirty-one years. The original plan called for two towers, but the money ran out and only one was ever built. The church, which is free to enter, has an unusually oval nave — a rare choice for the era, pure Italian Baroque. Nasoni grew so attached to the place that he asked to be buried inside, with no gravestone or epitaph. What most visitors come for is the climb: 225 spiral steps to the top, rewarded with one of the best views in the city — rooftops, the River Douro and church spires laid out like a map. The staircase is tight and steep, but the panorama at the summit makes every step worthwhile.
Tickets, opening hours and how to beat the queues
Entry to the church is free; what you pay for is the combined tower-and-museum ticket. There is a reduced rate for students with a valid card and free entry for children under 10. During summer, Easter and Christmas, a cheaper night ticket is available between 19:00 and 23:00. With the Porto Card you get 50% off the daytime admission. Since official prices can differ from what other guides quote, check the current amount at torredosclerigos.pt before you go. Regular opening hours are 09:00 to 19:00 every day, extended to 23:00 in high season; last entry is always 30 minutes before closing. To dodge the worst crowds, arrive at opening time (09:00) or after 16:00, and avoid the 11:00–12:00 and 13:30–15:00 slots. In July and August, book online — capacity is limited by the narrow staircase. Note: there is only a 5-minute grace period after your reserved time, and late-comers forfeit their ticket with no refund.
How to get there and tips from those who've already climbed it
The tower is right in the city centre on Rua de São Filipe de Nery. By metro, São Bento and Aliados stations (Yellow line) are a 6–8 minute walk away, and Trindade is about 15 minutes. São Bento railway station is 10 minutes on foot, and from the Cathedral (Sé) you can reach the tower in under 10 minutes via Rua Dom Afonso Henriques. Several STCP bus lines (200, 300, 305, 507, 600, 601, 602 and 703) stop at the nearby Cordoaria / Clérigos stop, around 300 metres away. If you're driving, SABA Praça Park is right next door. Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the full visit (church, museum and tower); just going up and coming back down takes 20–30 minutes. Practical notes worth knowing: large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the museum or tower (free left luggage is available subject to availability), there is no lift and the upper sections are very narrow — not ideal if you have claustrophobia or limited mobility. In summer the stone staircase gets very hot, so bring water and wear comfortable clothes. For those who cannot climb, a multisensory space on the ground floor, open since 2015, recreates the views from the top.
Frequently asked questions
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