Just as the slender bell tower of the Catholic Clerigos Church can be seen from any part of the city, the entire glorious city of Porto is visible from its height. Previously, the city's tallest tower, its symbol, was an ordinary guiding landmark for huge trading caravels and small fishing boats.

The old bell tower is part of a magnificent architectural ensemble that includes the church, the tower itself, and a hospital for the poor. The centerpiece is the old stone church, founded in 1732. Its construction, designed by the famous Italian architect and artist Nicolau Nasoni, continued for about 20 years. By the way, this great master of the Baroque and the famous painter of the 18th century was buried in an unmarked grave inside the church.

The medieval church was built for the Brotherhood of Clerics (Clérigos), hence its name "Clerigos". The main facade in the Baroque style is richly decorated with reliefs and stucco, including a high grand pediment. On the central frieze above the windows, you can see sculptures of various symbols of power and worship, often used in ancient Catholic churches. Finished with marble and granite, and adorned with fine carvings, the interior of the Clerigos Church is no less impressive than its unique exterior and unusual oval structure. The most valuable relic of the church is a genuine work of sacred art, a splendid altarpiece by Manuel dos Santos Porto. The Clerigos bell tower (Torre dos Clérigos) was built later and wasn't placed directly against the church. In the Renaissance, these buildings were called "Campanile". They came to Portugal from Italy. Maybe that is why the Clerigos bell tower resembles the old Tuscan bell towers. The 76-meters high tower has six floors and a spacious observation deck, accessed by 225 steps of a steep spiral stairway. Just like the church, the bell tower is lavishly decorated with statues of saints and sculptural compositions that can amaze even connoisseurs of medieval religious art. The door with the image of St. Paul deserves special attention.