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The city of Porto is one of the most visited cities in Europe, hosting more than a million tourists a year. It is the second largest city in Portugal, known worldwide for its wine, its bridges and its historical center, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. One of the symbols of Porto is the Torre dos Clerigos, the bell tower adjoining the Clerigos Church, a baroque church built between 1732 and 1750. The church was one of the first Baroque churches in Portugal. Its Baroque adornments reflect the city’s seaside way of life, as its façade is carved with shells and garlands. More iconic than the church however, is its bell tower.

Torre dos Clérigos

The Clérigos bell tower, (Torre dos Clérigos), can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols.

The Ribeira Square (Praça da Ribeira)

Passeio dos Clérigos was designed by the architect Pedro Balonas

Passeio dos Clérigos, Praça de Lisboa

Livraria Lello

Passeio dos Clérigos occupies a gross leasable area of 3,600 m2.

Resulting from the complete overhaul of the former Praça de Lisboa square, Passeio dos Clérigos was created on a floor above the existing parking lot, creating a direct connection between two of the greatest attractions of the city: Torre dos Clérigos and Livraria Lello.

Passeio dos Clérigos

Portuguese studio Balonas and Menano Architects have created the "Praca de Lisboa" in Porto. The project was completed as an effort to improve an area in decline in the middle of Porto and creates a space for community and livelihood.

Statue of Antonio Ferreira Gomes (1906-1989) Bishop of Oporto

Statue of Antonio Ferreira Gomes by Arlindo Rocha

The structure of "Praca de Lisboa" includes three levels, with its top-most level consisting of a green roof planted with olive trees referencing the "Porta do Olival," which was once a gateway into the city. The middle level is dedicated to commercial use, and links to the surrounding Lello Bookstore and Clerigos Tower for easy access.

The ground level provides room for a refined parking lot and pedestrian spaces, as the path runs through the building to create an open area between the split structure. The Praça de Lisboa, or Passeio dos Clérigos, was inaugurated in June offering visitors a space with restaurants, cafés and shops. The square has an open-air passage and the wavy surface of the roof was covered with grass

Concrete structures also form an interesting facade and skylight, creating geometric arrays that appropriately match the general structure of the complex. While its original site of construction may have lacked a vibrant atmosphere, the project is sure to attract crowds to revive the area.

Antonio Ferreira Gomes (1906-1989) Bishop of Oporto is considered one of the most notable figures of Portuguese Catholic hierarchy in the 20th century. He was forced into a 10 years exile from Portugal due to his opposition of the fascist regime

Porto University Headquarter's - "Reitoria"

Livraria Lello & Irmão

Torre dos Clérigos

Porto University Headquarter's - "Reitoria"

Torre dos Clérigos

Standing at 75 m (245 ft) high, the tower offers an amazing, panoramic view of the city, the Duoro River and the Atlantic Coast.Completed in 1763, this granite tower is based upon a Roman Baroque design scheme coupled with an unmistakably Tuscan bell tower design; visitors familiar with Italian architecture will be delighted to see a decidedly Roman Baroque masterpiece towering over a Portuguese port.

Once you’ve ascended the 225 steps and reached the top of the sixth floor, the Torre dos Clerigos, you’ll be able to see the whole city.Inside the church, you’ll enter into the Roman-influenced elliptic nave; in the main chapel, the altarpiece is a beautiful masterwork of polychrome marble, carved by famed sculptor Manuel dos Santos Porto, whose work can be found throughout Porto and Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve.

Text: Internet Pictures: Internet Sanda Foişoreanu Gabriela Cristescu Copyrights of the photos belong to each photographer

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Ana Moura - Guitarra; Fado menor