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Visit the Tour des Clercs in Porto: tickets, prices, schedules

The Tour des Clercs in Porto is the must-see monument of the Portuguese capital. A visit during a weekend city trip or during a holiday circuit in Portugal guarantees one of the highlights of your trip.

Visiting the Tour des Clercs in Porto is plunging into the history and culture of the Portuguese capital. The tower is located within the Clerics architectural complex, in the centre of Porto. Its architecture and especially the panoramic view from its summit make it one of the most visited monuments in Portugal.

For nothing to miss your visit to the Clerics Tower in Porto, discover the different possibilities of visits that offer you. Combined ticket, opening hours, good plans, discover everything you need to know before visiting the Tour des Clercs in Porto.

History of the clerical tower in Porto

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Rangzen

It was in the middle of the 18th century that the Brotherhood of the Poor Clerics decided to build a large building to honor God and celebrate religious worship. The construction project is entrusted to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni who decides to build two monumental bell towers behind the church of the Clerks, which has just been completed. In view of the magnitude of the work, a single bell tower will finally be built between 1954 and 1763, when the iron cross was fixed at the top and the image of St. Paul hung in the niche above the entrance. With more than 75 meters from its base at the tip of the arrow, it was the highest building in Portugal at the end of its construction and remains today the highest bell tower in the country.

Because of its size, it was used as a telegraph during the 19th century and allowed all the inhabitants of the city to receive news from the rest of the country or abroad. A flare flare was sent from its summit every day at noon, to announce to traders that it was time to fold shop. When two flags were erected, it meant that the ship that established the commercial link between Porto and London would arrive two days later, and it was time to prepare its packages.

A true heart of the city with many functions, the Clerks Tower was ranked national monument in 1910 and its 250th anniversary was celebrated in the tide in 2013.

What to see and do at the Clerics Tower in Porto?

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / agsaz

The whole Clerics, including the Museum, the Church and the Clerics Tower, is one of the most important monuments in Porto. Located in a hilly street, it is the perfect example of the city’s architectural constraints. In Baroque style, it represents the Porto of the 18th century and allows to imagine the atmosphere that reigned in the Portuguese capital at the time.

The top of the Tour

The view from the top of the tower is an immanquable but it deserves! You'll have to climb some 225 steps from the narrow spiral staircase to be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of the other must-see monuments of Porto, such as the Cathedral of Se or the River Douro immersing in the Atlantic Ocean. During the ascent, you will admire the 49 bells which embellish the staircase and compose the large carillon of the Tour. If you have time, enjoy the view at nightfall, for a magical vision of the glittering lights of the city.

La Maison de la Confrérie des Clercs Poor

The museum took place in the Maison de la Confrérie des Clercs Poor, built between 1754 and 1758. You will imbue yourself with the atmosphere that reigned in the Clerics’ place of life, and pass through the safe room, the infirmary or the archives. One collection of objects dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries will allow you to imagine the daily Clerics. There are paintings, sculptures, furniture and goldsmith’s pieces, which guarantee the cultural and historical heritage of the place.

The church

The construction of the church began in 1731 and ended in 1749. It is the first church in Portugal with an ellipse-shaped plan. circular gallery that surrounds the nave is a unique feature of this building, allowing the entire building to be observed once. Admire the work and the work golden sculptures thanks to the natural light that penetrates the building thanks to the many stained glass windows. The dome houses the blasphemy of the Clerical Brotherhood. You will find two so-called "Iber" or Portuguese organ in the main chapel.

How to go to the Clerics Tower in Porto?

To visit the Tour des Clercs, visit Rua de São Filipe de Nery, in the heart of Porto. You will be just a step away from the famous Lello bookshop, one of the most beautiful in the world, known for its decoration and its beautiful red staircase.

  • By tram : Take line 22 to the Clerigos stop, located at the foot of the Clerics Tower.
  • By metro : Line D will lead you near the Tour des Clercs. Take a 6-minute walk from Aliados or 5 minutes from the São Bento stop.
  • By bus : The closest stop is Cordoaria, next to the garden of the same name. It is served by lines 200, 201, 207, 208, 301, 303, 305, 501, 703 and 801. You will reach the Tour des Clercs in a 2-minute walk, and enjoy it for a walk in the garden.
  • By train : São Bento train station is a 5-minute walk away. It connects most of Portugal's major cities.

Timetables and rates of the Tour des Clercs

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / islavicek

HORARI

The Clerics Tower is open every day from 9am to 7pm except:

  • 24/12 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • 25/12 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • 31/12 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • 01/01 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

RATES

Day pass (9am to 5pm)

  • Museum and Tour of Clerks : 5 € (free for under 10 years)
  • Guided tour of the whole Museum + Church + free visit of the Tour des Clercs : 6,5 €
  • Students benefit from a 50% reduction for the purchase of a pass day.

Pass night

  • Tour of the Clerics : 5€ (free for under 10 years)

Les Clercs by night (Guided visit of the whole Museum + Church and free visit of the Tour des Clercs)- Groups (19h to 23h)

  • Up to 25 people : 250 €
  • #25 people : 8 € per additional person (50 persons maximum)

Good to know. : combined tickets allow you to save money during your visit to Porto. You only buy a ticket for all the interesting sights of Porto. Two options are available to you:

  • Palácio da Bolsa + Tour of the Clerks + MMIPO : 15 €
  • Episcopal Palace of Porto + Tour of Clerics + Cathedral Se + Museum of Archaeology and Sacred Arts : 14 €

Note : Access is free of charge between 9am and 7pm for members of the Clergy, and for uniform scouts having booked in advance.

BON A LEARN
  • Organ concerts take place every day at noon at the Church of the Clerics.
  • A weekend a month, all of the ticket sales revenue is donated to an association or institution that helps sick people or in need.
  • If you plan to visit the Tour des Clercs on a weekend, book your tickets in advance, queues that can be long. Prefer visits in the morning or at the end of the day to avoid traffic jams in the narrow staircase leading to the top.
  • The visit of the church alone is free.
  • The top of the tower is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, the architectural ensemble has received a label rewarding its accessibility. A barrier-free path and a lift allow you to access the Museum, the Church and the A+ Lobby, a room specially designed to simulate in real time the visit to the top of the tower, thanks to 7 cameras broadcasting live images of the view on the surrounding landscape.
Joseph Taylor

Joseph Taylor

I'm Joseph Taylor, a passionate traveler forever captivated by the world's allure. Life's journey is my greatest inspiration, teeming with breathtaking moments, from summiting majestic peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Every destination has a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer joy of exploration. Let's embark on this extraordinary adventure together, unveiling the world's hidden treasures and creating lasting memories that define our shared wanderlust-filled lives.

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