Igreja dos Clérigos Porto

Igreja dos Clérigos

Igreja dos Clerigos, Porto, Portugal. — Igreja dos Clérigos, (Clérigos Church), Porto

The Igreja dos Clérigos (Clérigos Church) is the church in front of its more famous bell tower, the 75 meter-high Torre dos Clérigos, in central Porto.

History

Both tower and granite church were designed by the prolific Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773), who was so active in the city and other parts of northern Portugal during the 18th century. Nicolau Nasoni was also responsible for the design of the Archbishop's Palace, the Misericordia Church and the loggia (external gallery) of Porto Cathedral. In later life Nasoni entered the Clérigos Brotherhood and was buried in the crypt of the church.

The Igreja dos Clérigos was begun in 1732 and was completed in the 1750's, with the monumental divided stairway in front of the church finished later in the decade.

The main Baroque façade of the church is decorated with motifs of garlands and shells. It consists of a single nave covered by a dome.

The fantastic marble altarpiece in the main chapel is the work of Manuel dos Santos Porto.

Sao Bento Station is only a short walk away from the Igreja dos Clerigos as is the Centro Português de Fotografia, housed in a former 18th century prison.