The Castelo de São Jorge (or St. George’s Castle) is without a doubt the most famous landmark in Lisbon, attracting approximately 2 million visitors each year. Located on top of the highest hill in the city, the castle is easily spotted from various parts of the city (and, on clear days, it’s even possible to see it from nearby cities, such as Sintra).
Its origins date back to Roman times when it served as a fortress, but it was in the medieval period that it became the impressive structure we see today, fulfilling roles such as a royal palace and military barracks.
Due to its privileged location, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic center and the Tagus River. Lots of people say these are some of the best vistas in the city, and I do have to agree! Although there are plenty of incredible miradouros in Lisbon, it’s really hard to beat the views from São Jorge Castle.
That’s why this is one of those attractions that you simply must visit at least once in your life! As you wander through ancient walls and courtyards where peacocks roam freely and enjoy views over Lisbon, I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time.
To help plan your visit to one of the oldest and best-preserved monuments in the city, I’ve put together this guide with all the information you need. So, join me and find out everything you should know before visiting the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon!
Castelo de São Jorge – in a nutshell
- Highlights: ancient walls, city views
- Opening hours: daily, 9 am to 9 pm (March-October), 9 am to 6 pm (November-February)
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon, avoid summer months
- Tickets: € 15 for adults, € 7.50 for youths, €12.50 for seniors. Free entrance for children up to 12.
- Recommended duration of visit: 2h
- Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa
- Nearest metro station: Rossio
Index
- Highlights
- How to get tickets
- Opening times and best time to visit
- How to get there
- Attractions nearby
- History
- Architecture
1. Highlights of Castelo de São Jorge
1.1. Walls
For centuries, the Castelo de São Jorge was a cornerstone of Lisbon’s defensive system. From the Roman occupation to the Islamic rule, the castle was fortified with extensive walls that also encompassed its surrounding areas.
After the reconquest of Lisbon in the medieval period, the castle underwent significant architectural modifications. Influenced by Gothic style, a new perimeter wall with 11 towers and broad walkways was constructed for enhanced defense and surveillance.
In 1373, under King Ferdinand’s rule, further fortifications were added, including the construction of the Fernandine Wall around Lisbon. This expansion included 46 gateways and 77 towers, encircling parts of the old town, showcasing the advanced military architecture of that era.
Today, visitors to São Jorge Castle can walk along these ancient walls and explore three main gateways that have withstood the test of time, each leading to different sections of this historic fortress.
1.2. Canons
Another fascinating aspect of the São Jorge Castle is its extensive artillery collection, which includes 14 original pieces and one replica. The cannons showcase a variety of metals and designs from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and are strategically placed around the castle, especially near the viewpoint.
A highlight of the collection is a bronze cannon crafted in the 17th century by Pero Dias Bocarro in Goa, renowned for its detailed craftsmanship and representation of Portugal’s maritime history.
Due to corrosion and fading inscriptions, particularly on iron pieces, the cannons are always monitored and restored by specialists, ensuring that visitors can continue to appreciate and learn from these remarkable pieces of military history.
1.3. Squares
Within São Jorge Castle, there are two squares that offer insights into the castle’s multifaceted history: the Place-of-Arms to the south and Praça Nova (New Square) to the east, each playing unique historical and functional roles.
Praça Nova, known for its historical significance throughout several centuries, was expanded from the Citadel during the 16th or 17th century. The pavement saw updates in the late 19th or early 20th century, reflecting shifts in architectural styles over time. Today, this square is home to a pine forest and the Archaeological Centre (more on that later!).
Meanwhile, the Place-of-Arms, which initially served a military purpose due to its strategic vantage point over Lisbon and the Tagus River, was adapted to accommodate vehicle access within the castle grounds. Now, visitors can enjoy sweeping views from one of St. George Castle’s key viewpoints.
1.4. Garden and wildlife
Historically, the areas inside and outside the walls of St. George Castle in Lisbon were kept free of trees to prevent enemies from gaining strategic advantages. This functional landscape began to transform in the 1950s when architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Teles was commissioned to create a garden within the castle grounds after its decommissioning as a military site.
Teles introduced a variety of tree species, including olive trees, stone pines, cork oaks, orange trees, Mexican cedars, carobs, black mulberries, Mediterranean cypresses, silk floss trees, and jacarandas from South America.
In addition to its botanical beauty, St. George Castle serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including various Mediterranean birds and bats. The castle grounds are home to domestic pigeons, blackbirds, and around 40 Indian peafowl, or peacocks, which are cared for by staff.
In the evenings, lesser horseshoe bats and common pipistrelles emerge from their roosts, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations. Educational programs at the castle aim to raise awareness about the local wildlife through tours, night-time visits, workshops, and conferences focused on biodiversity.
1.5. Archaeological Center
The Archaeological Center within São Jorge Castle in Lisbon serves as a vital repository of the city’s ancient history, holding evidence of early settlements dating back to the 7th century B.C.
Further exploration at the center shows remnants from different eras, including a residential area from the Moorish era in the 11th century. Additionally, visitors can observe the remains of the Palace of Condes de Santiago, a residence destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1755.
To enhance your experience, you can go on a guided tour led by expert archaeologists, which provides historical context by explaining each layer of habitation and its significance in Portuguese history. Through these explorations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how each period contributed to shaping present-day Lisbon.
1.6. Museum
The Museum Centre at Castelo de São Jorge offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing a collection that spans from the 7th century B.C. to the 18th century.
Housed within the Royal Palace of the Citadel, which was damaged in the 1755 earthquake, the museum provides insights into the diverse cultures and lifestyles that have shaped this historic site, focusing on objects from the alcáçova area and the castle’s quarters.
The museum is thoughtfully organized into three main rooms, each guiding visitors through different historical periods and themes:
- The Ogival Room: this room presents artifacts related to the development of St. George Castle and Lisbon’s urban evolution over the centuries, highlighting key moments in the city’s history.
- The Room of Columns: here, visitors can explore life during Lisbon’s Casbah in the Taifas and Almoravid periods, emphasizing the significant Islamic influences on what is now known as St. George Castle. This room offers a deep dive into the cultural and architectural contributions of these eras.
- The Cistern Room: this room displays items ranging from the Iron Age to modern times, including those affected by the 1755 earthquake. The exhibits focus particularly on Moorish period artifacts (11th-12th centuries), showcasing archaeological digs within the citadel grounds.
These rooms provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical layers that define this iconic site, allowing visitors to appreciate how different eras have influenced the current landscape of St. George Castle and its surrounding areas.
1.7. Camera Obscura
The Camera Obscura, located in the Ulysses Tower at Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, provides a fascinating 360º view of the city using a unique periscope tour. This device uses optical lenses and mirrors to project live images of Lisbon’s monuments, neighborhoods, the river, and everyday life onto a screen.
The tower, formerly known as Torre do Tombo, was historically significant for storing important documents from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Today, it combines its rich history with modern technology to offer an engaging visual experience.
The Camera Obscura experience helps visitors see how Lisbon has changed over time while showcasing its enduring landmarks from a unique perspective. Overall, it’s a great way to appreciate the city’s heritage and cultural evolution, a definite must-see for anyone exploring Lisbon!
2. How to get tickets?
If you’re planning on visiting the São Jorge Castle (and I hope you are!), you should know that it can get really crowded, especially during peak tourist months. So, I highly recommend that you buy your tickets beforehand, as they tend to sell out.
You can get them online, so that you won’t have to worry about the long lines at the ticket office. Besides, you’ll be able to enter quickly upon arrival, giving you more time to enjoy and explore the site.
As for prices, the tickets are designed to be affordable for everyone. Children up to 12 years old can enter for free, making it a great option for families, while youths aged 13 to 25 can get tickets for € 7.50. Adults over 26 pay €15, and seniors 65 and older enjoy a discounted rate of €12.50.
3. Opening times and best time to visit
The São Jorge Castle is open year-round, with hours varying by season. From March to October, the castle is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
During the winter months, from November to February, the hours are slightly reduced, with the castle opening at 9 am and closing at 6 pm. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing each day.
The castle is closed on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, and December 25th.
Since it’s such a popular attraction, during the summer the castle can get really crowded, and it doesn’t help that the temperatures tend to be very high. That’s why I always recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through October.
These periods offer milder weather and smaller crowds compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience. However, if you can only visit during the peak tourist season, I’d tell you to do it anyway! You may have to navigate some crowds, but I think it’s worth it.
4. How to get there?
Reaching the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon is very easy, and there are various public transportation options to get there.
If you’re taking the metro, get off at Rossio station. From there, you can walk up the hill, following the tram tracks past the cathedral, which lets you explore some of Lisbon’s charming streets on your way to the castle.
Bus number 737 is another good option, providing a direct route from Praça da Figueira to the castle gate. Trams 28 and 12 also pass nearby, making them practical choices for getting to the castle.
If you prefer to save your energy for exploring the castle, Lisbon has free public elevators that make the uphill journey easier. Start at Rua dos Fanqueiros 178, take the elevator to Rua da Madalena, and then continue from Largo Chão do Loureiro, where another elevator will take you directly to Costa do Castelo near the castle entrance.
5. Attractions nearby
Just a short walk from the castle, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol provides stunning views over the Alfama district, with charming terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River. This viewpoint is especially popular at sunrise and sunset, offering some of the most picturesque vistas in Lisbon.
Close by, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is another beautiful spot, adorned with pergolas and walls decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles. It offers a different perspective on Alfama’s history and is perfect for photography enthusiasts or those looking to enjoy the city’s beauty.
The Decorative Arts Museum, located near these viewpoints, showcases Portuguese decorative arts within an 18th-century mansion. Its collection includes furniture, textiles, and silverware, representing Portugal’s artistic heritage through the ages.
Lastly, the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is a must-visit when touring around St. George Castle. Situated nearby, the cathedral combines various architectural styles from different periods since its foundation in the 12th century, providing valuable insights into the city’s religious and architectural history.
6. History of Castelo de São Jorge
São Jorge Castle, also known as St. George Castle or Castelo de São Jorge, is located on a hill that has been occupied since the 6th century BC.
Initially fortified in the 2nd century BC, it served strategic roles for various groups, including the Celts, Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. Its historical significance is highlighted by 11th-century records from Arab geographers who referred to it as a “quasabah” or fortress.
A pivotal moment in the castle’s history occurred in 1147 when Afonso Henriques captured it from the Moors during the Siege of Lisbon. This victory was crucial for Portuguese independence and marked the beginning of its use as a royal palace after Lisbon became Portugal’s capital in 1255. In the 14th century, King João I dedicated the castle to Saint George, aligning his alliances with England.
However, the castle’s prominence declined after King Manuel I built Ribeira Palace in the 16th century. Its significance further declined due to damage from several earthquakes over the centuries.
Restoration efforts were not initiated until the 1940s, which included rebuilding the ramparts and watchtowers and reestablishing gardens to restore some of its former glory. Today, St. George Castle offers panoramic views and stands as a monument reflecting Lisbon’s intricate history.
7. Architecture of Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge features a square-shaped architectural design that highlights its historical military significance. Initially surrounded by a citadel wall, the castle’s layout was strategically planned for defense.
The main entrance features a 19th-century gate adorned with Portugal’s coat of arms and the name of Queen Maria II from 1846. Inside the castle walls, you’ll find a central square with several cannons aimed at potential entry points, reflecting its defensive role.
A replica statue of Afonso Henriques by António Soares dos Reis honors his conquest of Lisbon, adding to the appreciation of Portugal’s historical narrative.
The medieval section at the northwest corner was designed as a protective space during attacks, and consists of ten towers and is divided into two parts by a large wall, typical of medieval defensive architecture. Barbicans on the southern and eastern sides, along with a dry moat, further reinforce the stronghold’s defense capabilities.
Ready to explore Lisbon’s ancient fortress?
Castelo de São Jorge is one of the most ancient and well-preserved monuments in Lisbon. It survived the many conquests and cultural changes that have shaped the city, and today stands as a true symbol of Portugal’s historical background and heritage.
And, besides being a must-visit for anyone interested in history, it also offers incredible views over the city all the way to the Tagus River. I still remember how I felt the first time I visited the castle, and how amazing it was to see the city from that perspective.
Overall, it’s a truly memorable experience that I highly recommend to everyone visiting Lisbon!
