São Jorge Castle

Historical Center of Lisbon

Santa Maria Maior

Dominating Lisbon and the Tagus
Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, the São Jorge Castle is one of the most emblematic monuments in the city from Lisbon. Medieval castle, however, the first castle walls actually date from the 1st century BC, having been remodeled several times over time, such as during the 1755 earthquake.

With the Christian Reconquista, São Jorge Castle was conquered from the Moors in 1147 by the king D. Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal.
A strong square that dominated and defended the city, it was declared a National Monument in 1910.


São Jorge Castle © / Images Of Portugal
São Jorge Castle © / Images Of Portugal



São Jorge Hill

Located at the top of Hill of São Jorge, the highest and one of the Seven Hills of Lisbon, in the Bairro da Alfama, the São Jorge Castle it is one of the main attractions of the city. From the top, it offers an incredible view - considered the most beautiful - over the city and the River Tagus.


Moorish rule (from the 8th century to 1147)
It was, during the occupation of the Moors, the fortress (Kasbah) that controlled the domains of power of the Moorish occupants. Residence of the Moorish nobles, it was part of the old medieval citadel.


After the Christian Reconquest, the Castelo de São Jorge still served the Kings of Portugal until the sixteenth century.

The Castelo de São Jorge also housed the former Paço Real. Currently, you can visit facilities and learn about its history thanks to permanent exhibitions on site.


View of the Castle of São Jorge, on the Hill of São Jorge, Lisbon © / Internet, illustration
View of the Castle of São Jorge, on the Hill of São Jorge, Lisbon © / Internet, illustration



A bit of history

"The castle itself was founded in the 10th and 11th centuries, when Lisbon was an important Muslim port city. In 1147, the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, conquered the castle and city from the Moors. Between the century XIII and the century. XVI had its most important period. In the century XVI, it was in the castle that King D. Manuel I received Vasco da Gama after his sea voyage to India and that the first Portuguese theater play, by Gil Vicente, was performed on the occasion of the birth of King D. João III" [Visit Lisboa].


How to get there

The Castelo de São Jorge is situated on top of the Moorish hill, the Colina de São Jorge, a of the Seven Hills of Lisbon. By public transport you should take bus (bus) 737 or bondiho (tram) 12E or 28E. As neither goes to the top, the remaining meters must be done on foot, for about 10 minutes walk.

Rates
Ticket price: 15 € [children up to 12 years old: free, from 13 to 25 years old: 7.50 €, +65 years old: 12.50 €, luggage storage: 4.50 €]

Visiting hours
Castelo de São Jorge is open to visitors all year round (it closes/closes only for 5 days: January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st) every day of the week.

• during the Summer (March 1st to October 31st) it is open from 9am to 9pm, with the last visit at 8:30pm

• during the Winter (November 1st to February 28th/29th) it is open from 9am to 7pm, with the last visit at 6:30pm

Address / Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa.
Phone: +351 218 800 620


What to see

The most beautiful view of Lisbon
The Castelo de São Jorge, due to its importance, its history and the beautiful view, is the most visited from Portugal.

"Inside, the museum center stands out, where you can see the history of Lisbon, and the Torre de Ulisses. The legendary founder of the city gives its name to the castle's old Torre do Tombo, where a periscope allows you to observe the city in 360º in real time" [Idem].


View from inside the Castle of São Jorge, on Colina de São Jorge, Lisbon © Berthold Werner / CC, illustration
View from inside the Castle of São Jorge, on Colina de São Jorge (Hill), Lisbon © Berthold Werner / CC, illustration



Old Moorish Castle

The São Jorge Castle, from the top of its hill, defended the ancient Moorish city during the Muslim occupation. With twelve gates and eighteen towers that give more support to the walls that surround it. An unmissable visit to discover the history of the city.


Old Royal Palace

In the Castelo de São Jorge, former Paço Real de Alcáçova, among many historical events events, at the end of the 15th century, a reception was organized in honor of Vasco da Gama, after which having discovered the maritime route to the Indies.


View of the Walls of the Castle of São Jorge, Colina de São Jorge, Lisbon © fulviusbsas / CC
View of the Walls of the Castle of São Jorge, Colina de São Jorge, Lisbon © fulviusbsas / CC



Reference

• Official Link: São Jorge Castle

Lisbon Attractions

See also the other important attractions of the Portuguese capital:

Tourist attractions in Lisbon





Top Cities

Greater Lisbon

In addition to the largest urban agglomeration in the country (Lisbon), Sintra, Cascais, Loures, Almada and Oeiras complete the podium of the Top 5 largest cities in Portugal.

Greater Porto

In the north of the country, in Greater Porto, other important cities are Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Matosinhos, Gondomar and Guimarães.

Learn more

Main cities