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Castelo de S. Jorge

City Hilltop Fortress

The São Jorge Castle is the highest point in Lisbon, with an excellent view on the nearby observation deck. Built by the Moors in the Middle Ages, the São Jorge Castle still has 11 remaining towers. An exhibition of excavated artifacts and historical relics from different eras provides an insight into the life of the local people.

The São Jorge Castle, also known as Castelo de São Jorge, or Saint George Castle, is located at the top of the hill in the Alfama district, the highest point in Lisbon. To get a glimpse of Lisbon's City View, just head to the viewpoint at the foot of the castle, where you can see the roofs undulate and connect like a red ocean.

The hilltop has been inhabited since the 7th century B.C. by the Celts, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians. The São Jorge Castle, which stands on top of the hill, was Built by Medieval Moors. The western and northern sides of the castle are close to the cliffs, and a moat was dug in the southeast, making it an easily defensible fortress and a natural stronghold.

The São Jorge Castle has 11 Existing Towers, which are connected by towering walls for easy access, including the Torre de Menagem (Tower of the Keep), the Torre da Cisterna (Tower of the Cistern), Torre do Paço (Tower of the Palace) and Torre de São Lourenço (Tower of St. Lawrence) . The towers and walls were built with female walls to look out for the enemy or to launch attacks.

Manywhere Trivia:
Unlike many of the old European castles, such as Neuschwanstein, the São Jorge Castle was designed only for war and had no residential function.

After the Portuguese drove out the Moors, they built a royal palace next to the São Jorge Castle, but unfortunately, it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and only some Palace Ruins remain.

The Archaeological Site at the top of the hill contains a collection of excavated artifacts from the 7th to the 18th century BC, telling visitors about the history of the area and the life of the people for thousands of years.