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Castle · Lisboa, Lisboa
Castelo de São Jorge
Castle atop the highest hill in Lisbon's city centre, with walls, towers and gardens offering views of the city and the Tejo. It was a royal residence until the 16th century and has been a National Monument since 1910.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castelo de São Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge occupies the highest hill of the historic centre, where there was settlement before the Romans. The fortification was used by Muslims and, after Lisbon was conquered by D. Afonso Henriques in 1147, it became the residence of the kings of Portugal until the early 16th century. The current name comes from devotion to São Jorge, established by D. João I in the 14th century.
Much of the walls and towers seen today were rebuilt in the 1940s after centuries of neglect and the damage from the 1755 earthquake. Inside the enclosure there are eleven towers, the parade ground and walkways along the walls.
The archaeological core shows remains of Iron Age houses, of the Islamic neighbourhood and of the old royal palace. In the Torre de Ulisses there is a camera obscura, a periscope that projects live images of the city.
The castle viewpoint, with trees and free-roaming peacocks, has one of the widest views of Lisbon, from the Baixa to the Ponte 25 de Abril. Around the walls, the bairro do Castelo retains narrow streets and low houses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours.
Best time
Right at opening, before the queues, or late in the afternoon when the low light falls over the Baixa and the river. The European summer, from June to August, is the busiest period.
How to get there
It's atop the hill above Alfama. Take Elétrico 28 up to Largo das Portas do Sol or bus 737, which stops near the entrance. On foot, the climb from the Baixa is steep, along steep streets.
Tip
Buy the ticket in advance to avoid queues. Wear comfortable shoes: the ground is uneven stone. Walk down through Alfama after the visit, passing Santa Luzia and the Sé.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castelo de São Jorge
What to see at the Castelo de São Jorge?
The walls and towers, the viewpoint with city views, the archaeological core and the camera obscura in the Torre de Ulisses.
How to get up to the Castelo de São Jorge?
Take the Elétrico 28 to Portas do Sol, bus 737 to near the entrance, or walk from the Baixa—it's a steep climb.
Is the castle original from the Middle Ages?
It has very ancient origins, but much of the walls and towers were rebuilt in the 1940s.