Torre dos Clérigos

• The Torre dos Clérigos is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, a striking 18th-century baroque bell tower that rises dramatically above the city skyline. • Designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the tower is an architectural masterpiece, blending elegance and grandeur with intricate stonework and detail. • Climbing the 225 steps to the top is a must-do experience—at the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Porto, from the red-tiled rooftops to the shimmering Douro River. • The interior is just as fascinating, with exhibits and historical details that give insight into the tower’s religious and cultural significance. • At night, the tower is beautifully lit, standing like a glowing beacon in the heart of the city—a perfect photo opportunity and a symbol of Porto’s historic charm. • Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture, or just chasing the best views in town, the Torre dos Clérigos delivers an unforgettable experience.

I purchased the evening ticket at 7:30 PM for 5€ hoping to witness the golden hour in early April. I believe I timed it perfectly, and it only took me about 20 minutes to reach the summit. Surprisingly, the stairs were much easier to climb than anticipated, although they were quite narrow, especially towards the top. The views from the top are undoubtedly the best and highest in Porto. However, this attraction is not suitable for large groups. If you’re traveling with two or three people, it’s manageable. Climbing solo is even more enjoyable. Just be prepared to pack a windbreaker at the top, as it can get windy and cold.

So I visited this attraction today, very interesting building & history, view from Tower itself is pretty fantastic, staff were helpful and friendly. My 1 disappointment, indirectly to the attraction itself & the staff. As I made my way in, towards the 1st spiral staircase, I met a slightly elderly American lady who had stopped prior to these stairs. We struck up a conversation & she said, she wasnt going any further, as we both thought, this was the 200 steps up the Tower? Ofcourse I went up & discovered that wasnt the case, many rooms, exhibitions & a gradual climb before the eventual stairs to the Tower. I feel that a site map or some due diligence by staff, explaining route, to someone not entirely physically able, might have helped here. This lady paid her entry, but left thinking she couldnt do it? Yes, the Tower itself might have been a struggle, but rest of the visit, couldve been done, with help & knowledge prior. I wouldve personally helped, had this lady not left.

If you like historic sites this is a must see in Porto. Please be mindful that the tower has a lot of steps but the view is amazing. I wasn’t keen on the whole photo thing they have you do before you go up and didn’t buy them on leaving, I did feel a little push into it rather than it being a choice. I’m autistic and that kind of stuff is really not for me. I do think that they should consider this and not make it a pressure point for those who are just wanting to see historic sites without being constantly sold something. Had that not happened and it had been seen as a choice I would give 5 stars.

We had a great time climbing the Tower. My daughter enjoyed the climb and she loved the view. The climb wasn’t too hard for an 8 year old.

We visited this spot while in Porto, and overall, it was a good experience. The highlight was definitely climbing up the steps to enjoy the incredible 360-degree view of the city—well worth the effort. The museum section had some interesting displays of pictures and artifacts (or replicas), but our main focus was the climb and the view. The experience did feel a bit commercialized at times, with frequent upsells for the light show and a green screen photo area where they encourage you to get a picture superimposed on a background. The samples didn’t look very realistic, and that wasn’t really what we were there for. That said, the architecture, historic atmosphere, and city views made it a worthwhile visit. If you enjoy great viewpoints and don’t mind the touristy aspects, it’s definitely worth checking out.

The Baroque-style bell tower was built between 1754 and 1763 by Nicolau Nasoni, following the construction of the adjoining Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clergy). Standing at 76 meters, it was the tallest structure in Porto at the time of its completion. Inspired by the bell towers of Granada, the six-story tower features a narrow spiral staircase with over 240 stone steps leading to the top. From the summit, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view — including the Douro River, central Porto, and the Gaia district. Note: Admission is required not only for the tower, but also for certain parts of the church interior.

I say this with honest respect and no background knowledge whatsoever… the place is beautiful, but the rocks of the building (actually this applies to all historical buildings in Porto) need caring and cleaning.