Clérigos Tower Entrance Ticket Porto

The Clérigos Tower and its 225 steps

Clérigos Tower was built in the 1750s and 1760s as part of the Clérigos complex by Nicolau Nasoni, the Italian architect who filled northern Portugal with Baroque churches and palaces. It stands about 75 metres tall and was once a landmark for ships arriving at the mouth of the Douro. Today it is the city's best-known bell tower and a symbol of Porto.

The climb is up a narrow stone spiral staircase of 225 steps with landings and small windows on the way. There is no lift, so it is a real climb, but it is short and you can go at your own pace. Anyone searching for how to climb Clérigos Tower should allow around half an hour and wear comfortable shoes.

The view from the top

At the top you step out on a viewing level that looks over the granite rooftops of Porto, the Douro River, the bridges and the terracotta roofs of Vila Nova de Gaia. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Atlantic coast, and this is often named the best view in Porto.

Because the space is small, you may share the balcony with other visitors, so patience helps at busy times. The best time to visit is early in the morning for calm and clear light, or late afternoon for golden colours. If you are choosing between Clérigos Tower tickets and other viewpoints, this one is closest to the heart of the old town.

The church and the museum collections

Next to the tower stands the Clérigos Church, whose oval nave and heavily decorated façade were innovative when they were finished around 1750. Baroque decoration in the form of shells, garlands and carved stone covers the outside, and the interior is calm and richly gilded.

The Clérigos building also houses an exhibition space with the Irmandade dos Clérigos collection and the Christus collection, which includes furniture, paintings, silverware and vestments from the 18th and 19th centuries. Access to these areas depends on the day's opening times. The visit gives context to the tower's role in the city and helps you appreciate the craft behind it.

Practical tips and the surroundings

Backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the tower or the museum, and a secure place to store belongings is provided, subject to availability. Because there is no lift and the steps are narrow, the visit is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Children are welcome if they can manage the climb.

The tower sits in the middle of the old town, within a few minutes' walk of Lello Bookshop, São Bento Station and Aliados Avenue. This makes it easy to combine with other sights. The 30-minute length also allows you to fit the visit into a short stop between other plans.