São Jorge Castle

The São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is one of the most famous monuments in Lisbon. Both night and day its figure stands out at the top of the São Jorge hill, the highest in Lisbon, and where the Castelo and Alfama neighborhoods are situated.

São Jorge Castle

City views from the São Jorge Castle

Built by the Visigoths in the 5th Century, the São Jorge Castle was enlarged by the Arabs in the 9th Century, and modified during the reign of Afonso Henriques. In 1938 it underwent a complete restoration.

Its greatest period started in the middle of the 13th Century and went up to the 16th Century¸ the era in which the castle was occupied by the kings of Portugal.

As a demonstration of its history, Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian remains are currently being uncovered.

Visiting the São Jorge Castle

The visit will take you more than half the morning as the area is quite expansive. On top of the castle, with its eleven towers, in the same grounds there is a small museum, a café and a restaurant. After visiting the fort, it is recommended to go for a walk around the nearby streets.

From the top of the fort you will get the best views from this side of Lisbon.

You can make the most of this visit to the castle by visiting Lisbon Cathedral, located a few minutes’ walk away.