Castle of Saint George

In front of the cheese, long lines are always forming quickly. Best start early.

This castle, located on the highest hill in the Alfama neighborhood, still has eleven towers and presents some characteristic architectural elements of military fortifications from the Arab period. The stairs attached to the walls give access to the battlements and towers, making it possible to visit their entire perimeter.

The ascent to Castelo de São Jorge is fantastic: it leads through old Lisbon, past viewpoints and a historical "urinol". Once at the top of the fortress, São Jorge welcomes visitors in his glass case. And after a little further ascent on the walls of the castle you have a great view over the city and the Tagus River from one of the highest points in Lisbon.The Castelo was conquered by the Moors. According to a legend, in 1147 the Christian knight Martim Moniz noticed an open gate at the Castelo, into which he forced himself with his body to keep it open. He sacrificed his life so that the Christians could recapture the castle complex. From then on, the fortress helped defend the city.In the late 14th century, the fortress was dedicated to São Jorge. King João had married the English princess Phillipa of Lancaster and the holy warrior who fought the dragon was very popular at the time, both in Portugal and in England.After the kings moved from the castle to the city center, the military function was given up and after the destruction caused by the earthquake of 1755, the fortress was forgotten. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and has been a national monument since 1910. In the 1990s, the Castelo de São Jorge was renovated.Today the Castelo de São Jorge high above the roofs of Lisbon is definitely one of the most beautiful viewpoints and is one of the most popular historical sites in Lisbon. Above all, the magnificent view from the fortress walls is something special.