Castle of S. Jorge

R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

The Castelo de São Jorge, is one of the Alfama neighborhood’s most historically significant monuments. Plan a visit late in the afternoon so that you can explore every nook and cranny and learn about the castle’s abundant history. Stay for golden hour so that you can capture the light as it dances on the castle walls, and later to watch the sunset dip below the horizon.

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Castelo de São Jorge

The Castelo de São Jorge, is one of the Alfama neighborhood’s most historically significant monuments. Plan a visit late in the afternoon so that you can explore every nook and cranny and learn about the castle’s abundant history. Stay for golden hour so that you can capture the light as it dances on the castle walls, and later to watch the sunset dip below the horizon.

Castelo de São Jorge

Set atop the city’s highest hill, Castelo de São Jorge has been presiding over Lisbon since the mid-11th century. Wander along the ramparts and soak in the views with the accompaniment of gentle sea breezes. While you’re there, visit a few other must-sees besides the Castle: the camera obscura, an optical device that provides 360º views of Lisbon; and the ruins of the Moorish Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, which also comprises a museum, café and the Casa do Leão restaurant.

A View of Lisbon from the Castle

Way up in the Alfama, the Castelo Sao Jorge is a Lisbon must see (and do). This castle was really the beginning of Lisbon. The first king, Afonso Henriques captured this hilltop fortress from the Moors in the 12th century. The site was occupied by Romans, Visigoths, then Moors. In the 14th century, it became the Royal Palace. You can walk the pathways, explore the castle,and enjoy the fantastic views of downtown Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the April 25th Bridge. Sit and enjoy a cool drink at one of the stands or have lunch at the Casa Do Leao. Watch the peahens and pigeons wander the grounds. If you buy the Lisboa Card,( information centers sell them. A good Lisbon map indicates locations. ) you get a discount for the castle. Don’t neglect the rest of the Alfama after seeing the castle and if you are happily weary after this adventure just take the trolley down to the Praca do Commercio.

Another Great View of the Tagus River

I took the old #28 trolley up to the Alfama and lumbered up the uneven cobblestone streets to the castle. As I stood on the ramparts of the Castle of Saint George, I was awarded for my efforts with incredible views of the Praca do Comercio of Lisbon, the riverfront, the Tagus River, the April 25th Bridge, and over to the left, the statue of Christ (1959) which is located at the southern end of the bridge. The bridge is impressive and the statue is majestic. If you want a closer look of the Christ statue, make it a day trip, and take the ferry from the Cais Do Sodre in Lisbon across the Tagus to Cacilhas. From there, take Bus #10 to the statue which is a monument and a shrine. The castle ramparts and grounds offer historic sites and structures to peruse and enjoy. The Moors built the castle and fortress in the 8th century and it was taken from them by the first king of Portugal in the 12th century. For about three centuries, the castle was the royal residence until the kings moved the royal residence to the Praca do Comercio (where they resided until the 1755 earthquake destroyed the palace along with most of Lisbon). As I sat at a cafe patio in the castle area, I watched as peahens and peacocks strolled the grounds. It was also a great people watching opportunity. Every time I am in Lisbon, I try for a new and amazing view from the ramparts of the Castelo Sao Jorge. Don’t forget to use your Lisboa Card for entrance to the castle. More info: www.golisbon.com

Rampart Views

As I stood next to an ancient canon that was positioned on a wall at the Castelo Sao Jorge, I had a fantastic view of the Tagus River, the April 25th Bridge, the Christ statue on the opposite shore, and the Praca do Comercio in Lisbon. I had an ancient view that soldiers in ancient times shared as they stood on the castle’s ramparts to defend the city. Use your Lisboa Card ( available at TI’s) to get into the castle at a discount. Tour the castle and experience a journey back in time in the history of Lisbon, Portugal. Each time I visit Lisbon, I visit the Alfama and the Castelo. Each time, there are more improvements. The castle enables you to imagine yourself on the site centuries ago. This is one of Lisbon’s top attractions. Take Trolley #28 up to the top and get off and walk up to the fantastic castle. After your visit and tour, stop at one of the areas restaurants for lunch.

Walk through history

We made it a point to explore a few castles/fortressses on this trip. While walking through history we also had the added bonus of sweeping vistas of the city. Make the hike up to Castelo de São Jorge, grab a map and explore the castle for a couple of hours. There are tiny stairwells to climb up, Archaeological Site to view on a tour, and plenty of space to roam around and enjoy Lisbon from every vantage point. If you are lucky, you may even run into a few wild peacocks that stroll around the area.

The Nighttime Magic of Castelo de Sao Jorge

Castelo de Sao Jorge, which dominates the pinnacle of Lisbon’s panoramic skyline by day, becomes magical by night. The ruins of this 12th century fortress take on a Disney-esque quality and a golden patina from the uplighting that bathes it’s ancient stone walls. The brilliant light display appears to actually make the castle walls appear like they are glowing from within.

Exploring Medieval Sao Jorge Castle

The crumbling ruins of Castelo do Sao Jorge sit on a precipice high above the Tejo River. Dating back to the 12th century, this popular attraction has a commanding view of all of Lisbon, the Tejo, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Christo Rei Monument in Almada. But, make sure to poke around the castle ruins and run your hand over all the cold steel cannons that protected the fortress from intruders. Sit for awhile and admire the preening peacocks who strut the grounds like they own them. As you listen to the hostess telling a children’s birthday party about the castle, drift back in time and imagine yourself as a knight or lady in waiting catering to the whims of royalty like King Denis I. Castelo de Sao Jorge is not to be missed.

Best view in Lisbon

After a day of exploring Lisbon my friends and I stumbled upon the Castle of Sao Jorge. It was beautiful, full of history, and relaxing to walk around. We entered this part of the castle where you could look out over Lisbon so I snapped a picture and loved it. It gives you a quick glimpse of the view from the Castle. It was a beautiful adventure in Lisbon!

Castle of São Jorge

One of the most impressive castles in Lisbon is Castle of Sao Jorge in Alfama. Dates from medieval times, is located atop the highest hill in the historic center of the city. The castle is one of the main historical and touristic sites of Lisbon.

Warm Colors

There’s something amazing about how the sun in Portugal brings out the natural vibrancy of color.

Lisbon's Castle of São Jorge

For a stunning view of Lisbon, head for the hills, or at least to the hilltop Castle of São Jorge (Castelo de São Jorge in Portuguese). This Medieval castle towers over the Baixa, Lisbon’s lower town, and has commanding views of the city and the coast. You can stroll along the castle walls, wander through the shady grounds or grab a coffee in the castle cafe. (You may be joined by some of the resident cats.) A visit takes a few hours and costs 7.50€ for adults and 4.00€ for students and seniors. You can either hike up the hill as we did, or take a ride on one of Lisbon’s historic trams.

Climbing Castle São Jorge

One of the most impressive castles in Lisbon is Castle of Sao Jorge in Alfama. Dates from medieval times, is located atop the highest hill in the historic center of the city. The castle is one of the main historical and touristic sites of Lisbon. Take advantage and walk along the castle walls to see a better view of the city and pay a visit to the store and the Museum Centre where you can learn more about the heritage of the castle and the city. Family friendly

Another great view over Lisbon

High overlooking Lisboa, is the Castelo de São Jorge, one of the coolest forts I’ve seen. Lots of excellent shooting points, areas of properly dispersing hot oil and other general harassment. It’s a great thing to do in the morning or sunset. You can take the trolly up, or walk the zigzag streets. Excellent views of the red roofs of Lisbon.

IF I WERE TO BUILD A FORT, IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS

High overlooking Lisboa, is the Castelo de São Jorge, one of the coolest forts I’ve seen. Lots of excellent shooting points, areas of properly dispersing hot oil and other general harassment. It’s a great thing to do in the morning or sunset. You can take the trolly up, or walk the zigzag streets. Excellent views of the red roofs of Lisbon.

Go to Lisbon. That's all you need to know. Go to Lisbon.

Hurry. Seriously.

São Jorge Castle

The most prominent of Lisbon’s seven hills, the hill that’s crowned by São Jorge Castle was the object of desire for all the conquering empires that ruled the Iberian Peninsula. Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Portuguese Christian kings all chose the Castle Hill as their headquarters. Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, the Alfama, is a cobblestone maze of streets and crooked buildings that runs down the hill from the castelo to the river, adding charm to this view from the water.

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