I think you mean Arcanists Tower, I love the idea of an anarchist tower though, complete with black flag flying...
Sorry, I found that quite hilarious.
Anyway on to your question. I found that area so bloody frustrating. There is a lot of respawn in that area, I don't think it stops, and I don't think there's a quick route - you have to just keep trying the different portals until you've hopped your way across to the stairs. I have to say it's the most annoying part of any game I've ever played, I was tearing my hair out by the end, I've played SoU 4 times now, and the last 3 times I just gave up at that point, exported my character, and went straight to HoTU - that's how annoying I found it.
If anyone knows a quick route I would love to hear it!