Torre dos Clérigos, Porto
The Torre dos Clérigos is a very popular attraction in Porto with a line of foreign tourists waiting to ascend the 75 meter tower each day in the summer vacation season for spectacular views over the city.
History
Designed by Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, the Torre dos Clérigos is an icon of the city and was the tallest building in Portugal when it was completed in 1763.
Nicolau Nasoni, also designed the adjacent, Baroque Igreja dos Clérigos (Clérigos Church), where he is buried. The church's façade is decorated with motifs of garlands and shells. Nicolau Nasoni also was responsible for the design of the Archbishop's Palace, the Misericórdia Church and the loggia (external gallery) of Porto Cathedral.
There are 240 stairs to reach the top of the six storeys and it is quite a climb in a claustrophobic space on a hot summer's day.
Sao Bento Station is only a short walk away as is the Centro Português de Fotografia, housed in a former 18th century prison.
Access
Torre dos Clérigos (torredosclerigos.pt)
Rua Sao Filipe
Porto 4050-546
Tel: 022 200 1729
Admission: free for the church; a fee is charged to enter the tower and to rent a pair of binoculars if you wish.
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