Authentication

User ID:

Password:

Iniciar sessão

U.Porto Memory

Rectory Building of the U.Porto - Background: reference works

Historical Monument of Clérigos (National Monument)

The historical monument of Clérigos, in Baroque style and skilfully built on uneven terrain, was intended for poor clergymen. It is formed by an elliptical-shaped church and a rectangular chancel (1732-1758) integrated in the building of the Brotherhood of Clérigos, which, in turn, is linked to a bell tower. It is the work of Tuscan painter, decorator and architect Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773), who supervised the works free of charge and was accepted as lay-brother of the Brotherhood, and is therefore buried in the temple, somewhere under the pulpits.

On its façade in Clérigos Street, there is a grand staircase, from which we can see Nossa Senhora da Lapa Chapel, a wealth of Baroque ornaments (garlands, flame-shaped sculptured ornaments, shells, etc.), papal symbols, limestone images of Saint Peter and Saint Philip Neri, by Jacinto Vieira, and the monogram "AM" (Ave Maria).

The interior of the church boasts gilt woodcarvings, a marble vault (12 sections, with a central shield of granite, the monogram "AM", Saint Peter’s symbols and leaf ornaments), the altarpiece in polychrome marble, designed by Manuel dos Santos, rosewood chairs and the tabernacle.

The tower (1754-1763) is 76 meters high, has 6 dampers and 225 steps, is the ex-libris of the city and has an excellent observation deck. It has 2 belfries and one of the largest carillons in the country. In the past, it was used as a commercial telegraph and a clock in Porto.