Castelo de Sao Jorge (Saint George's Castle), Lisbon (must see)
Saint George鈥檚 Castle is a historic fortress in Lisbon鈥檚 Santa Maria Maior district. Its hilltop location has been occupied since the 8th century BC, with fortifications dating back to the 2nd century BC. Over time, the site reflected influences from the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths, and Moors. The Berbers added the so-called 鈥淢oorish Encirclement鈥� walls in the 10th century, and the Moors held the castle until the Christian Reconquista.
The castle played a pivotal role during the 1147 Siege of Lisbon when it was captured in a major Second Crusade victory. This fortified stronghold became a royal residence in 1255 and was named after Saint George in the 14th century by King John I to symbolize ties with England. In the later period, it served as a military barracks and home to Portugal鈥檚 National Archive. Although damaged in the 1755 earthquake, the 20th-century restorations regained its prominence as a national monument and cultural site.
Within this castle complex, you'll find medieval architecture with ten towers, a dry moat, and steep hillsides for natural defense. Highlights include the terraced Arms Square with cannons and a statue of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and the Tower of Ulysses, which houses a camera obscura offering shows (every 20 minutes) in various languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The citadel's primary entrance features a 19th-century gate adorned with Portugal's coat of arms, Queen Maria II's name, and the date 1846.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, a wine bar, an ice cream stand, and public restrooms. Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds, particularly in one of the primary dining areas. While dining within the castle walls may be slightly pricier than in the surrounding areas, it is not excessively so. Alternatively, you have the option of bringing your own food and beverages. Admission is reasonably priced and children enter for free.
Saint George鈥檚 Castle also includes the ruins of a royal palace, such as the Casa Ogival, which is now home to the Olissip贸nia multimedia exhibit detailing Lisbon鈥檚 history. Gardens and historical artifacts enhance the experience, making the castle a symbol of Lisbon鈥檚 rich past and an essential cultural landmark.
Tip:
Although the journey to the castle involves a steep uphill climb, it provides a delightful stroll through the narrow streets of historic Lisbon, with numerous opportunities to stop and savor local cuisine. Alternatively, you can take cable car #28 to admire the neighborhood's charming and diverse architecture, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The castle played a pivotal role during the 1147 Siege of Lisbon when it was captured in a major Second Crusade victory. This fortified stronghold became a royal residence in 1255 and was named after Saint George in the 14th century by King John I to symbolize ties with England. In the later period, it served as a military barracks and home to Portugal鈥檚 National Archive. Although damaged in the 1755 earthquake, the 20th-century restorations regained its prominence as a national monument and cultural site.
Within this castle complex, you'll find medieval architecture with ten towers, a dry moat, and steep hillsides for natural defense. Highlights include the terraced Arms Square with cannons and a statue of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and the Tower of Ulysses, which houses a camera obscura offering shows (every 20 minutes) in various languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The citadel's primary entrance features a 19th-century gate adorned with Portugal's coat of arms, Queen Maria II's name, and the date 1846.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, a wine bar, an ice cream stand, and public restrooms. Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds, particularly in one of the primary dining areas. While dining within the castle walls may be slightly pricier than in the surrounding areas, it is not excessively so. Alternatively, you have the option of bringing your own food and beverages. Admission is reasonably priced and children enter for free.
Saint George鈥檚 Castle also includes the ruins of a royal palace, such as the Casa Ogival, which is now home to the Olissip贸nia multimedia exhibit detailing Lisbon鈥檚 history. Gardens and historical artifacts enhance the experience, making the castle a symbol of Lisbon鈥檚 rich past and an essential cultural landmark.
Tip:
Although the journey to the castle involves a steep uphill climb, it provides a delightful stroll through the narrow streets of historic Lisbon, with numerous opportunities to stop and savor local cuisine. Alternatively, you can take cable car #28 to admire the neighborhood's charming and diverse architecture, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Castelo de Sao Jorge (Saint George's Castle) on Map
Sight Name: Castelo de Sao Jorge (Saint George's Castle)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belem is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port 鈥� the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama 鈥� departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral 鈥� for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking viewpoints. Its name is believed to have originated from the Phoenician term "Allis Ubbo", which means "safe harbor," reflecting the city's importance as a maritime hub since ancient times. Nestled at Europe's western edge and abundant in architectural styles, Lisbon... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreads downhill along the Tagus River. It retains a charmingly labyrinthine layout with narrow alleys and steep streets. Under Islamic rule, this part of the city was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-岣mma, which means "hot fountains"... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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