Torre e Museu dos Clérigos

About the museum

The Clérigos Church and Tower form an 18th-century building commissioned by the Irmandade dos Clérigos (Clerics' Brotherhood). The Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni designed the project, which was listed as a National Monument in June 1910. The tower, at the brotherhood's request, was designed in 1753; work began in 1754 and was completed in July 1763, with the placing of the iron cross at the top. From the summit the view covers Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

The Museu dos Clérigos occupies the brotherhood's former private quarters, the Casa da Irmandade (1754–1758). The collection brings together painting from the 17th and 18th centuries, furniture, goldsmith's work, sculpture and textile art, from the 13th to the 21st century, consisting mainly of bequests and acquisitions. The museum has been part of the Rede Portuguesa de Museus since 28 August 2018.

The brotherhood's former infirmary, which operated until the end of the 19th century, houses the exhibition “Christus”, a collection of sacred art donated in 2015 by a private collector. In 2022 the room “Legado dos Presidentes” was opened. The complex was reopened on 12 December 2014, after restoration and musealisation, over an intervened area of about 4,500 square metres.

Highlights

• Tower by Nicolau Nasoni, with views over Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
• Brotherhood museum with painting, goldsmith's work, sculpture, furniture and textiles
• “Christus” exhibition in the brotherhood's former infirmary
• “Legado dos Presidentes” room
• Pipe organ concert every day at noon

Permanent exhibitions

• Museu dos Clérigos – Casa da Irmandade – Route through the brotherhood's former private quarters, with painting, furniture, goldsmith's work, sculpture and textile art from the 13th to the 21st centuries.
• Christus – Collection of sacred art on Jesus Christ, donated in 2015, with sculpture, painting and goldsmith's work, shown in the brotherhood's former infirmary.

Operated by

Irmandade dos Clérigos

Admission & discounts

The standard ticket of €10 (Tower + Museum) is valid for daytime hours. Holders of the Cartão Porto (tax residence in Porto) receive 50% off the daytime ticket. Free admission, on identification, for clergy, uniformed scouts with prior booking, members of the Armed Forces and of the PSP and GNR police forces, and veterans. The night ticket (19:00–23:00) only exists on special dates.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A large-capacity lift allows wheelchair access to the museum (floors 1 to 4), with an accessible toilet on the 1st floor. Access to the top of the tower is not permitted for people with reduced mobility; there is a room with a real-time 360° virtual view. Only guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The building lies between Rua de São Filipe de Néri (north elevation) and Rua de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (south elevation).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Backpacks, trolleys and suitcases may not be taken into the museum or the tower; there is a secure place to leave luggage. The museum shop also sells online.

Events & venue rental

“Fora de Horas” visits (19:00–23:00) are available for groups of 25 to 50 people, on request.

Plan your visit