Clérigos Tower partially evacuated after battery short circuit
Porto's Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) was partially evacuated on Friday after a short circuit in a battery caused a small fire on an upper floor; emergency services say the alert was raised around 12:41 and the situation was resolved with no reported injuries. City sources told Lusa the incident was contained quickly and the monument has since reopened or been secured. Visitors and residents near the monument should follow local directions if emergency crews are present.
Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) is an 18th‑century Baroque bell tower in Porto, designed by Nicolau Nasoni and completed in the 1760s; it stands at about 75 metres and is one of the city’s best‑known landmarks. Because it is a major tourist attraction, any safety incident—like the reported battery fire and partial evacuation—can temporarily close the site and affect visitors and nearby businesses, so tourists and Porto residents should check for local advisories before planning a visit.
