São Jorge Castle, Lisbon

Visit São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon's oldest monuments and a symbol of Christian victory over the Moors.

São Jorge Castle © Turismo de Lisboa

The São Jorge Castle is one of the most symbolic and important monuments in Lisbon. The castle, the ruins of the former royal palace, and a residential section from that elite time are actually located in the exclusive medieval city of (Alcazaba) .

Castelo de São Jorge © Celestino Manuel

Graça Viewpoint © Celestino Manuel

The castle is cataloged as a National Monument nowadays, and includes gardens, viewpoints, a citadel, terraces, a small museum, an archaeological center, a periscope (invented by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century), a shop and a cafe-restaurant, the Lion House

This castle was constructed by Muslims in the middle of the 11th century as a defensive element of the elite who lived in this citadel.

It was conquered in 1147 by Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal, and until the 16th century had its heyday as a courtly space. The old buildings from the Islamic period were altered and expanded to receive the king, the court, and the bishop.

The royal archive was installed in one of the castle towers.

In the 13th century it was transformed into a royal palace, and chosen to host illustrious persons, celebrate festivals, and proclaim kings throughout the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

In 1580, with the integration of Portugal into the Spanish Crown, the castle took on a more military function, which it maintained until the early 20th century.

During that time, several spaces were remodelled and built, especially after the 1755 earthquake.
Between 1938 and 1940, the castle was restored to the its previous glory, as were some nearby ancient buildings.

Archaeological investigations carried out since the late 20th century confirmed the time when the occupation on top of this hill took place, increasing even more its great historical value.

Discover at the archaeological museum core the following objects from VII century before Christ, lives stories unveiled by their humans remains; Residential ruins from Muslims period dated about mid XI century; Ruin remains of a palace style fort shaped dwelling that was destroy by an earthquake on 1755

More information:

Location:

Castelo de São Jorge, Lisboa

Ticket price:

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Schedule:

1 November to 28 February: Daily from 9:00 to 19:00

1 March to 31 October: Daily from 9:00 to 21:00

Closed 1 January, 1 May, and 24, 25, and 31 December

Telephone:

(+351) 218 800 620.

How to get here:

Bus: 37.
Tram: 12, 28.

Website:

castelodesaojorge.pt/en

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal