Visit São Jorge Castle with the Lisbon Card

Sao Jorge Castle is included in the Lisbon Card. Just show your card at the ticket office for free access to the Castle. You can purchase the Lisbon Card by clicking here.

Today we discover together one of Lisbon's historic jewels, the São Jorge Castle. Take a deep breath, because we are going to delve into the story, in architecture and in the scenic wonders This castle has to offer.

The castle of São Jorge

Once upon a time there was a majestic castle that, from the highest hill in Lisbon, dominated the entire city... No, it is not a fairy tale, it is reality. This imposing fortress is still there and is open to the public.

Surrounded by high stone walls adorned with bougainvillea, São Jorge Castle is located in the Alfama district and dates back to the 6th century. Originally fortified by the Romans, the Visigoths and later the Moors, architecture reflects its turbulent history.

The history of the Castle of Sao Jorge

Originally built by the Romans and subsequently fortified by the Visigoths and the Moors, the architecture of the castle reflects the tumultuous history it has gone through. This imposing fortress has withstood not only the assaults of past centuries, but also the devastating earthquake of 1755 That razed much of the city to the ground.

With its walls erected on a protective fortress, the castle has undergone a reconstruction process in 1938, when Salazar ordered a complete redevelopment that included the creation of new gardens and flower beds.

Over the course of time, the castle has played various roles, including. moorish residence until 1147. It was in that year that King Alfonso I, with the support of crusaders headed to the Holy Land, took official control.

Baptized with the name of the patron saint of England, St. George's, the castle had a period when it served as a royal residence until King Manuel I decided to move the court to Praça do Comércio. From that time, the castle lost much of its former importance and function.

How to visit the Castle of São Jorge

Once inside the castle, you will be surrounded by three essential parts:

1. The main fortress with its 11 towers;
2. the inner citadel;
3. the walls that surround it.

Climb the towers and walk along the bastions, admire the manicured gardens and Enjoy a coffee in the cafes inside the castle. And then, the most fascinating part: the panoramic view of Lisbon from above. From the terraces and the two miradouros, you can admire a breathtaking panorama: the entire city of Lisbon at your feet, from the Alfama district to the Tejo River and the magnificent Ponte 25 de Abril.

The magic of São Jorge Castle is not limited to its architecture and spectacular views. Throughout the year, the castle hosts cultural events such as concerts, plays and ballets, offering visitors an even more immersive experience.

In addition, you cannot miss the "Camera Obscura": a periscope positioned at the top of the tower, which captures 360-degree panoramic images of the city through a system of lenses and mirrors. A unique experience that will immerse you in the history and beauty of Lisbon.

Facts and trivia about the Castle of São Jorge

• On the northern wall of the defensive wall opens the Door of Betrayal, so named because it was used by Secret emissaries entering or leaving the castle.

• The preserved towers are. eleven in total, including the Keep, the Tower of Having (also known as Torre do Tombo), the Palace Tower, the Cistern Tower, and the Tower of San Lorenzo.
• If you are interested in finding out what the city of Lisbon looked like before the massive 1755 earthquake, I invite you to take a look at theillustration displayed at the entrance to the Permanent Exhibition. It is a reproduction of a drawing dating back to the 16th century, representing the most significant testimony of the ancient Royal Palace and the city of Lisbon prior to the earthquake.
• The castle has been proclaimed national monument in 1910, and the restoration process was carried out between 1938 and 1940.
• The picturesque streetcar number 28 has a stop in the vicinity of the castle: it may not be the most practical means of transportation, but it is certainly the most fascinating.

Frequently asked questions about São Jorge Castle

• What is the name of the Lisbon Castle? The castle in Lisbon is called São Jorge. It is named after the patron saint of England, St. George.
• How to go up to Lisbon Castle? You can reach São Jorge Castle by taking streetcar 28E or 12E and getting off at Lg. Portas Sol. After that, you will have to face a steep walk uphill, about 6 minutes.
• How long does it take to visit Sao Jorge Castle? Typically the visit lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, as there is really a lot to see inside the facility.

Things to know before visiting the Castle

Reservation

To fully enjoy this experience without having to deal with long queues, it is strongly recommended to Buy the "skip the line" ticket in advance. This will allow you to skip the ticket line and gain quick access to this wonderful fortress. Also, you could plan your visit in the afternoon to enjoy the view of Lisbon at sunset.

Guided tour: included in the ticket, there is a free guided tour in English, Spanish and Portuguese that is given several times throughout the day. However, if you prefer, you can visit the castle on your own.

Turnout: This attraction is extremely popular and gets booked up quickly. If this is one of your "must-sees," book your spot as soon as possible!

Input: Upon arrival, present the reservation confirmation that will come to you via smartphone. Show the pass to the attendant present at the entrance of the attraction and enter the castle by skipping the queue at the ticket office.

Getting there

• Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
• Nearest streetcar stop: Lg. Portas Sol - streetcar 28E or 12E
• Nearest bus stop: Castelo (199 mt), Martim Moniz (275 mt) - bus No. 37
• Notes: To get to the castle, it is necessary to climb a steep road for about 6 minutes

Opening Hours.

• Days: Monday to Sunday
• Timetable: 09:00 to 21:00
• Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time

Contact

• Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
• Email: info@castelodesaojorge.pt
• Tel: +351 21 880 0620

Conclusion

The Castle of São Jorge is a living testimony to the history of Lisbon and its transformations over the centuries. Admission is included in the Lisboa Card, and by purchasing the Lisbon tourist card you have the opportunity to explore this historic gem in an easy way (click here to purchase the Lisboa Card online). You not only travel through time through its walls and spaces, but also through your own travel experience. If you wish to visit the castle alone, buy ticket online, follow my directions and be enchanted by the majesty and beauty of São Jorge Castle.

Photo credits: Free to use under a Creative Commons Attribution + Share-alike license. Attribution to: "Osvaldo Gago - fotografar.net".