A J Bashha
11th-century, hilltop Moorish castle & royal residence with palace ruins & archaeological museum.
A J Bashha
Castelo de São Jorge is a stunning medieval fortress situated on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, providing visitors with magnificent panoramic views of the city, including the Alfama district, the Baixa area, the Tagus River, and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. The castle itself has a rich history, originally serving as a Moorish citadel before becoming a royal palace and later a military stronghold. Visitors can explore vast ramparts, eleven towers, archaeological sites, and remnants of the former royal palace, all set within beautiful gardens that are home to roaming peacocks, adding a unique and charming touch to the experience. The castle's grounds feel like a living museum where one can marvel at medieval defensive architecture, walk along ancient walls, and enjoy peaceful spaces shaded by olive trees and dotted with historical artifacts. Surrounding the castle, the neighborhood of Alfama offers a vibrant yet authentic atmosphere with narrow, winding streets, traditional tiled houses, cozy cafes, and small shops steeped in local culture. The area is known for its lively yet intimate vibe, enriched by the sounds of Fado music and the daily rhythms of local residents. Travelers often find themselves enchanted by the blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making the approach to the castle a meaningful journey in itself. The castle’s elevated position allows for stunning sunrise and sunset views across Lisbon, creating memorable photo opportunities and moments of reflection against the backdrop of terracotta rooftops and the sparkling river below. Visitors are recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds, as the castle tour, including its museum and archaeological areas, can take one to two hours. The pathway includes some steep climbs, but the well-preserved structures and the sweeping city vistas make the effort worthwhile. There are also small cafes within the castle grounds where visitors can pause and enjoy refreshments while taking in the scenic surroundings. Overall, Castelo de São Jorge offers a rich, immersive experience of historical, cultural, and natural heritage, making it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Lisbon’s fascinating past and vibrant present. The castle’s majesty, along with the lively charm of its surroundings, creates an unforgettable visit that reflects both the resilience and spirit of Lisbon.
Scott Schraeder
What an awesome experience this was! Was there on a Tuesday afternoon and the crowds were light. Very easy to walk around and explore. (Although be warmed the steps are pretty steep and some have no handrails....careful! Sights were amazing and there is a QR Code.at.the entrance that gives you a self guided audio your with anlot of history. Awesome place and highly recommended!
Danny W
After visiting the Lisbon cathedral, we walked up to the arch entrance of the castle - it’s walkable but be wary of a steep trek from the cathedral. We were able to use our Lisboa Card for free entry, which was a great bonus. The castle grounds offer incredible views across the city and plenty of historic areas to explore. There are loads of great photo opportunities, and the grounds are home to around two dozen peacocks and peahens. I’ve never seen so many in one place before, and they really add to the atmosphere. The small museum inside is interesting and gives some insight into the history of the castle, including who built it, what it was used for, and a look at some of the pottery and tiles found on site. It’s also well air-conditioned, which makes it a nice break from the heat outside. Be warned that the toilets are pretty unpleasant and located down some narrow, slightly sketchy stairs. The main castle area itself is mostly empty, with only the walls open to walk along. The views are fantastic from up there, but it’s definitely not ideal if you’re afraid of heights. The walkways are narrow and can get crowded, and there’s only a railing to hold on to. We left just before sunset, and as we did, the queue to get in had grown a lot. Leaving early worked out well, as we were able to catch the bus back to the Rua with no hassle
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