Tour a fascinating sanctum, museum and tower on a visit to the Clérigos Church (Igreja de Clérigos). Built in 1732 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, Clérigos Church is one of Porto’s earliest Baroque churches. Appreciate its lavish decorations, browse exhibitions of sacred artwork and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city and Douro River.
The church occupies the eastern end of a building called the House of Brotherhood, which has floral friezes, pilasters and sculptures adorning the exuberant façade. Enter via a ceremonial staircase and once inside you’ll see huge pilasters rise up on both sides of the ornate granite and marble egg-shaped nave. Admire gilded sculptures of religious scenes, study the rococo-inspired altar and look up at a dome adorned with a coat of arms.
Reaching a height of 246 feet (75 meters), Clérigos Tower is an ostentatious icon of Porto and visible from across the city. Pay attention to artistic features such as a balustraded window, coat of arms and sculptures of saints. Make your way up a 225-step staircase to the tower’s open-air viewing platform. Views reach over the city’s emblematic red rooftops and Porto Cathedral, among other major landmarks.
Set aside time to visit the church’s museum, located in the rooms of the House of Brotherhood. It features artistic exhibits that date from the 1200s to 1900s. Find everything from gold smithery objects to period furniture, religious paintings and sculptures.
The church stands adjacent to Lisbon Square, in the Uniäo de Freguesias de Centro neighborhood of Porto. Travel here by tram to the Clérigos stop. The nearest metro and train station is Sao Bento, located a 5-minute walk away.
Clérigos Church is open daily and admission is free. A combined fee is applicable to visit the tower and museum. Guided tours of the church have a fee while free nighttime tours of the tower are available. Find more information on the church’s official website.
