THE CLÉRIGOS TOWER was on display at SEA PORTO HOTEL!

A photographic perspective on Porto’s heritage, connecting to the history and architecture of Matosinhos.

Sea Porto Hotel, in partnership with TACITUS, hosted the photographic exhibition “The Clérigos Tower”, by Sérgio Jacques, a project that invites a contemporary look at one of Porto’s most emblematic monuments. Integrated into the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of the arrival of architect Nicolau Nasoni in Portugal, the exhibition highlighted photography as a way of interpreting and discovering architectural heritage.

The Clérigos Tower: a symbol of Porto’s identity

Designed by Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century, the Clérigos Church and Tower constitute one of the most recognised monumental complexes in the city of Porto. The church, with its Baroque architecture, is distinguished by its oval plan and the decorative richness of its interior, while the tower stands out in the urban landscape, offering those who climb its 240 steps a panoramic view over the city and the Douro River.

In addition to its architectural value, this complex represents a significant part of Porto’s history and identity. It is precisely this striking presence that Sérgio Jacques explores through photography, proposing different perspectives on the monument and its architectural elements.

The project was accompanied by a catalogue book that brought together the author’s photographs, excerpts from works by Portuguese writers who evoked the Clérigos Tower, and a text by historian Joel Cleto dedicated to Nicolau Nasoni and his relationship with Porto.

Nicolau Nasoni: a connection between Porto and Matosinhos

The presence of this exhibition in Matosinhos gained particular significance due to Nicolau Nasoni’s connection to the region’s architectural heritage. In addition to his work in Porto, the Italian architect is associated with the Mother Church of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, one of the city’s reference monuments, whose façade incorporates elements of his artistic intervention.

This Catholic temple, deeply linked to the religious and cultural history of Matosinhos, stands out for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, as well as for the importance it assumes in the celebrations of Senhor de Matosinhos. The proximity between the Sea Porto Hotel and the church allows visitors to discover this local heritage and establish a connection between different expressions of Nasoni’s work.

Thus, the exhibition also provided an opportunity to discover how the history of architecture brings together two cities with their own identities, but linked by common artistic and cultural references.

Culture and heritage from SEA PORTO HOTEL

In the centre of Matosinhos and just a few minutes from Porto, the Sea Porto Hotel is a starting point for exploring the heritage, architecture, gastronomy, and cultural identity of the region. The exhibition “The Clérigos Tower” reinforced this connection to culture, providing guests and visitors with close contact with photography and the history of one of Porto’s most emblematic monuments.

We invite you to discover the Church of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos and explore the Clérigos Tower in Porto, on a journey that crosses heritage, architecture, and culture. Consider this your invitation!

SEA PORTO HOTEL – Your Hotel in Matosinhos.