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Saint George Castle
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Dominating Lisbon from the Castelo de San Jorge.

From almost any point it is possible to see, fabulous and imposing, the Castle of São Jorge dominating Lisbon from the top of the highest hill in the city. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited places in Lisbon.

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How is the Castle of São Jorge in Lisbon

His name is not a coincidence

The Castle, built by the Visigoths in the 5th century, was known as the Castello dos Mouros during the Muslim period and was their last stronghold before being expelled by the troops of Alfonso I of Portugal. It was a tough battle that lasted for three months and there were Norman and British crusaders on their way to the Holy Land who lent a hand to the king and finished deciding the battle on the Christian side. It was the year 1147.

 

The Castle owes its name to those crusaders, as many of them were fervent devotees of the martyr Saint George.

What to see in Lisbon

From Castle to Royal Palace

Starting in the mid-13th century, the Castle of San Jorge became the Royal Palace and was the scene of such distinguished moments as the reception offered to Vasco de Gama after discovering the sea route to the Indies. 


In the 17th century, after the royal residence was moved to the riverbank, the castle began to decline, culminating in the devastation suffered in the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon.


It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the Portuguese authorities realized that, at the top of the hill of San Jorge, they had a treasure that they were letting die. During the 1940s and 1990s, important restoration work was carried out that made this monument the place that we can enjoy today.

What to do in Lisbon

The visit to the Castle of San Jorge

With an area that exceeds 6,000 m², a visit to the Castle of São Jorge is a real pleasure that can occupy the traveler a whole morning. The most typical way to access the castle is the Arch of San Jorge that opens onto the enclosure that consists of 11 towers, parade ground or dungeons, among many other delicacies.


As the traveler is allowed to move freely around the site, they have the opportunity to enjoy everything at the pace that one chooses. One of the points that cannot be overlooked is the Ulises Tower. Although it is true that the Castle of São Jorge offers incredible views from many of its corners, this tower has the advantage of housing Da Vinci’s periscope that allows a 360-degree panorama.


It is also worth going to the Moniz door, where you can relive the legend of the hero Martim Moniz . They say that this illustrious knight was the architect of the victory over the Muslims thanks to the fact that he sacrificed his life by placing his body to prevent the Muslims from closing the door, thus leaving the way free for his companions.


Another of the attractions of this place is Olisoponia, a multimedia show that takes place on the ruins of the palace that tells the story of our neighboring country. Without forgetting the gardens, a perfect place to stroll and relax among ducks and peacocks.


Once the visit is over, if the strength is with you, there is no better way to say goodbye to the Castle of San Jorge than to get lost in the narrow streets that line the hill. The Santa Cruz do Castello neighborhood is a network of small streets, which almost looks like a labyrinth designed to mislead the visitor, populated by bucolic houses decorated with hundreds of flowers.

How is the Castle of San Jorge

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