◎ The Castle of St. George is located in the very center of Lisbon, on a high hill, and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The castle operates as a museum and is subject to a fee.
◎ From here there is a beautiful view of the center of Lisbon, the Tagus River and its southern bank. On weekends, various activities are often held inside the castle, for example, training everyone in crossbow shooting.
◎ More than a dozen peacocks live here, walking freely among the visitors and there are a couple of coffee shops and a restaurant where you can have a snack, a glass of wine and enjoy a stunning view of the city.
Castle of St. George - history
◎ The first traces of human presence here date back to the 6th century. BC. and refer at least to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. However, the chronicle has been conducted only since the time of the conquest of Spain by the Romans, who erected here the first defensive structures to protect against the Lusitanians and named the city Olisipo. Later, in 60 BC. Gaius Julius Caesar completed the conquest of Lusitania and gave the city the title Felicitas Julia, which allowed its inhabitants to receive all the privileges of Roman citizenship.
◎ Over the centuries, the city was attacked by barbarians and in the middle of the 5th century it was captured by the Suevians, and later by the Visigoths. Later, in the 8th century, the city came under the rule of Muslims, who called it Al-Ushbuna or Lissabona. During the presence of Muslims, the fortress underwent the first major restoration after the Romans. Subsequently, the city was constantly attacked during the reconquest, the reconquest by Christians of the lands of the Pyrenean peninsula occupied by the Moors. And only in 1147, during the second crusade, Afonso I Henriques, the first king of Portugal after the proclamation of its independence from the Kingdom of Leon, managed to conquer the fortress and the city after a three-month siege. The castle was named after the holy martyr George the Victorious.
◎ In the 13th century, when Lisbon becomes the capital of the kingdom (1255), the castle of St. George becomes the royal residence and continues to remain it until the 16th century. Then the residence is transferred to the newly built Ribeira Palace (Paço da Ribeira - river palace) on the site of the modern Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio). Since that time, the castle has been used as a prison, and then as the headquarters of the organization for the protection of the rights of children and adolescents (1780-1807). ◎ In 1910, the castle was declared a national monument. The next major restoration work was carried out in 1940 and 1990.
Castle of St. George in Lisbon - how to get
Sometimes the road to the castle can cause some difficulties for unprepared tourists.
At first: you have to go up, so put on comfortable shoes (it is better to walk in Lisbon in soft shoes without a heel) and take your time. On the way, you can stop at a café (pastelaria) you like and have a meal of traditional pastries.
Secondly: it can be difficult for new travelers to find the very road to the castle. We have made a small map for you, which shows an interesting route to the castle right from the arch on (Praça do Comércio).
You will pass by three old churches and the Lisbon Cathedral, as well as an observation deck along the way. Do not be afraid to deviate from the route and turn into a street of interest to you. There are many cozy and pretty side streets in this area.
Castle of St. George - ticket prices and opening hours:
Tickets: adult - 8.50 €, concessionary (students, up to 25 years old, 65+) - 5 €, children under 10 years old - free
By card - 7.50 €
- Tours for May around the world
- Last Minute Tours around the world
The historical core of the capital of Portugal, the Lisbon Kremlin, the Castle of St. George, calmly observes the life of the city through the narrow loopholes and square battlements of its millennial walls. The ancient fortress of the Romans, Visigoths and Moors came under the command of the first king of Portugal Afonso Henriques in 1147 - and since then every Portuguese revered it as the basis of statehood. Today, the Castle of St. George welcomes tourists with the calm and coolness of a shady courtyard, an impressive collection of medieval cannons and breathtaking panoramic views of the red mosaic of Lisbon's tiled roofs, intercepted by the blue ribbon of the Tagus River. An archaeological museum, a restaurant and a camera obscura in one of the towers of the fortress are responsible for the educational and entertainment component.
A bit of history
Castle of St. George traces its history from the turn of the old and new era: first there was a fortress of the Romans, then the Visigoths, and then the Moors. In 1147, the crusaders, led by Afonso Henriques, captured the castle, expelling the Moors, and laid the foundation for the Portuguese state. Until the 16th century, the fortress was a royal residence.
What to see
You can still appreciate the appearance of the castle from afar: the fortress is perfectly visible from almost anywhere in the city. The battlements of its powerful walls are clearly visible against the blue Portuguese sky, and the foundation seems to merge into one with a high hill above the Tagus River.
Climbing to the entrance to the castle, you will certainly notice the massive and at the same time laconic symmetry of its structure with many architectural elements: a circular moat with an arched bridge, two tiers of fortress walls with a gallery, 18 corner and watch towers and a powerful barbican - an external fortification bastion.
The entrance to the territory of the castle of St. George lies through the main fortress gate. Passing massive wooden doors, you will find yourself in a quiet courtyard planted with lush greenery, in the shade of which there are benches and peacocks, geese and ducks roam. Here you will be greeted by a statue of King Afonso Henriques (this glorious statesman recaptured the castle from the Moors) and a series of medieval weapons - a reminder of the terrible days of the history of the fortress. Little remains of the inner palace - the residence of the Portuguese rulers: the stone building now houses a restaurant. Walking around it, you will see the entrance to the underground archaeological museum, in three halls of which are presented finds on the territory of the fortress from ancient times to the 18th century. It also shows a multimedia show about the history of Lisbon "Olissiponia".
In one of the halls of the current archaeological museum, the most famous Portuguese, Vashco da Gama, once appeared before King Manuel.
Every major city has its own heart. Castle of St. George - the historical center of Lisbon, the Kremlin of the Portuguese capital. For many centuries, it has been observing thousands of years of European history from behind its stone walls. The ancient fortress was at first in the possession of the Romans, Visigoths, Moors. In 1147, the castle passed to the first Portuguese king - Afonso Henriques. Since then, the Portuguese have considered it one of the symbols of statehood. Today, the castle introduces tourists to medieval history, there is an impressive collection of cannons, an archaeological museum. The complex is remembered for its calm atmosphere and coolness. It mesmerizes with gorgeous panoramic views of the whole of Lisbon with red tiled roofs and the Tagus River.
The history of St. George Castle begins at the turn of two eras. At various times, it belonged to the Romans and Visigoths. Then in 1147 he was liberated from the Moors by the crusaders. The commander of the crusader detachment - Afonso Henriques became the first ruler of the country. Until the 16th century, the castle housed the residence of the ruling persons.
The castle is clearly visible from anywhere in Lisbon. The battlements of the fortress walls are clearly visible against the blue sky, and the foundation of the building seems to represent a single whole with the hill on which it is located.
The architecture of the castle is truly impressive. It is distinguished by its special massiveness, restrained symmetry of the entire structure. The exterior is complemented by many architectural elements. The fortress is surrounded by a moat with an arch-shaped bridge and two rows of walls. Along the perimeter there are 18 watch and corner towers and an external fortification - a barbican.
The entrance to the fortress territory is closed by massive gates. After them, you find yourself in a courtyard with your own atmosphere. It is calm here, a lot of lush greenery, benches in the shade, birds walking. Attention is immediately drawn to the statue of Afonso Henriques (the first Portuguese king who expelled the Moors from the fortress). The entire collection of medieval weapons testifies to the glorious and formidable history of the medieval castle. The original residence of the rulers has practically not survived, now there is a restaurant in this inner palace. If you go around the palace, you can see the entrance to the archaeological museum. Its halls contain exhibits from the territory of the fortress from the beginning of its history to the 18th century. An educational program has been prepared for visitors - a multimedia historical show about Lisbon "Olissiponia" is shown in the museum. There is evidence that the legendary traveler Vasco da Gama met with King Manuel in the museum hall.
Do not miss the opportunity to be on the fortress walls and bypass the castle around the perimeter, an incredible view of Lisbon opens up from above. With the camera obscura located in the Odyssey Tower and projecting 360 degrees, you will see the city at a glance.
The Moorish fortress is located on the Serra de Sintra mountain, in Sintra. The fortress was built by the Moors between the 9th and 10th centuries, and already in 1147 it was taken by storm by Alfon Henry during the war in the name of establishing Christian rule in Portugal. After the 15th century, the fortress ceased to be a strategic object and to this day it pleases numerous travelers.
The walls of the fortress stand on huge boulders, and the watchtowers offer panoramic views of the city, green parks and the nearby Pena Palace. The flags of Portugal from different times are waving on the same towers. Inside the fortress you will find drinking water cisterns, built by the Moors in case of a siege.
The opportunity to walk along the winding staircases, admire the city from a bird's eye view and visit the nearby Pena Palace will cost you 12 euros.
Coordinates: 38.79254300,-9.38933900
Fortress of St. George
The Castle of St. George, located in the historic center of the city, on a hill, is the main castle of Lisbon. Locals most often call this castle the "Cradle of the City", since it is believed that the history of the capital of Portugal began in this place.
It is believed that the settlement of this site began long before the advent of the Romans. At the very top of the hill there was a fortress that protected the Tagus River and the surrounding area. In the period from the 5th century BC. and until the beginning of the 8th century, the fortress belonged to the West Goths, but then it was captured by the Saracens. Some of the walls that have survived to this day were built during the reign of the Moors, which lasted until 1147. After the expulsion of the Moors, Afonso Enriques founded his kingdom. Three hundred years later, in this castle, magnificent celebrations took place on the occasion of the return of Vasco da Gama from India. After moving the residence of the kings, the castle of St. George served as a theater, prison and arsenal. Like many historical structures, it was badly destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
The castle is now hosting an excellent multimedia exhibition about the biggest events in the history of Lisbon.
Coordinates: 38.71390300,-9.13363800
Monsarash Fortress
Monsaraz is a small, frontier Portuguese walled city on a hilltop overlooking the vast expanses of the Alentejo, vineyards, olive groves, neighboring Spain and the Guadiana River, the natural border between Spain and Portugal.
The walled city is literally a few kilometers north of Moran, and also on the mountain. However, unlike neighboring Palmela and Morana, the entire historical center of the city is located inside the fortress walls and is perfectly preserved, only a few houses stand outside them.
In our era, Monsarash in turn belonged to the Romans, Moors, Visigoths and many other tribes. The modern history of the castle in Monsaraz begins with the time of the Knights Templar. In the 13th century they erected the fortress walls and the citadel, and the city took its important place in the chain of fortifications of Portugal.
Now inside the city, through the ancient walls, you can go unhindered at any time of the day or night. The citadel adjoins the city wall from the inside, which is also well preserved, with free and free entrance.
Coordinates: 38.44323700,-7.38071600
The Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge, Castelo de São Jorge) is a sacred place for the Portuguese. It was with the conquest of the Moorish fortress, standing on a high hill at the mouth of the Tagus, by Don Alfonso Henriques on October 25, 1147 that a country called Portugal and a city named Lisbon began, and Don Alfonso Henriques, as expected, became the first king, the founder of the dynasty. The most ancient Portuguese legends are associated with this place. However, many tourists consider visiting the castle not an obligatory point for exploring Lisbon, they say, this is just another observation deck from which another wonderful view of Lisbon opens, and this observation deck, unlike many others, is paid.
But as an eyewitness who has examined the fortress, I will tell you that a certain charm is still hidden in the castle of St. George. The view from the walls of the castle is really stunning, only from the hill you can see Lisbon from almost all sides, look into the small courtyards located under the very walls of the castle, touch the truly ancient stones. In spite of all the tourist popularity of the castle, on the top of the hill it embraces the feeling of peace, solemnity and unhurriedness of what is happening. Next, I will share my impressions of visiting the fortress, so that you yourself can decide if this is exactly what you need?
Castle of Saint George at the top of the hill
The Castle of St. George is clearly visible from anywhere in Lisbon, it stands on a high hill above the city. We climbed to the castle on foot from the Commerce Square, we have to go up the hill, but on the way you can see the Cathedral of Lisbon, admire the views of the city from the Santa Luzia observation deck, see the azulejos decorating its magnificent panels, if you wish, go down to Alfama and walk along the old part of the city, which has preserved its medieval buildings.
If you don't want to walk at all, then you can drive up to the entrance to the castle by bus # 37 or trams # 28 and 12. Only a bus drives up to the entrance from the tram stop to go further.
Counter opposite the bus stop The cost of tickets to the Castle of St. George
A ticket to the castle costs 8.5 €, children up to 10 years old are free. The castle is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, the entrance is closed 30 minutes before 9 pm. There may be queues for tickets during the high tourist season. Near the ticket office, you can take a brochure with explanations for the inspection in Russian.
Saint George's Castle Map The ticket price to the fortress includes a visit to the camera obscura and the archaeological zone with a guide. These events are held in Portuguese and English by session, so ask right when you enter when the next session will be in English to plan your visit. On the official site of the Castle of St. George, the time of the sessions is not indicated in any way, the Portuguese sites leave much to be desired.
The gate to the castle, 1842 History of the Castle of St. George
Naturally, as confirmed by archaeological excavations, people lived on a high hill above the Tagus River from the 7th-8th centuries BC, long before the appearance of the first states, cities and borders. There are written records that the defensive walls stood at the top of the hill during the time of the ancient Romans. But we are still more interested in the moment of the formation of the Portuguese statehood.
Don Alfonso Enriques, already mentioned by me (Enriques means the son of Henry, that is, in those distant times on the Iberian Peninsula, almost patronymic names were used), a Portuguese born count at the age of only 14 expelled his mother from his lands, who did not burn with the desire to cede power to the grown-up son, defeated her ally, the Castilian king, thus achieving the independence of his county and devoted many years of his life to the wars with the Moors, who were firmly established in the south of his possessions.
Monument to Don Alfonso Henriques on the territory of the castle Don Alphonso was not only a skillful warrior, but also a clever politician. He managed to win over to his side the French knights who went on the Second Crusade. Instead of freeing the Holy Sepulcher, the knights began to fight against the Moors on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. The siege of the Moorish castle, standing on the site of the present Castle of St. George, lasted for 4 long months.
Of course, the capture of the last stronghold of the Moors was not without the legendary hero. It is said that the crusaders managed to break into the fortress thanks to the self-sacrifice of the knight Martim Moniz. The hero found a secret door to the fortress, and with a small detachment of knights entered into an unequal battle with the Moors. Martim Monish literally with his body did not allow this door to be closed until the main forces arrived. Until now, the same gate is shown in the castle. Personally, I am rather skeptical about such statements, since then more than 9 centuries have passed, according to the official chronology. Are there real objects on earth, created by human hands, capable of withstanding such a period, surviving a destructive earthquake?
Gate Martim Moniz, photo 1908 We did not see Moniz's gate, because there was a renovation at the time of our visit, modern photographs of the gate on the Internet no longer show a bust of a beardless young man and a memorial plaque dedicated to him. The name of the legendary knight Martim Monis is a large square in the city center and the metro station located there. Those. Until now, the hero is respected, both by those in power and by the common people.
From the moment of the capture of the fortress for the Castle of St. George, a golden age begins. All Portuguese kings have kept their official residences in the castle for four centuries, from the 13th to the 16th century.
Illustration for the manuscript of 1505, it can be seen that the castle is significantly different from what we see now Naturally, during this time much was built and much was demolished. There is practically nothing left of the royal palaces. Now in the building that previously belonged to the royal residence, a rather expensive restaurant is open, but the interior is extremely simple, only Gothic brick vaults have survived from the old days. And even with such views from the observation deck, lunch in the interior looks strange, even the most chic atmosphere of the restaurant cannot surpass the view of Lisbon from the castle walls.
Ruins of the former royal palace At the end of the 16th century, the royal court leaves the Castle of St. George, the era of great geographical discoveries begins, money poured into Portugal with an unprecedented force until then. The king feels so confident in his country that he no longer needs to defend his residence with the thick walls of the castle. The new huge royal palace of Ribeira in the style of Versailles is being built on the very bank of the Tagus River, on the site where the Commerce Square is now located. From this moment, the decline begins. On the territory of the castle, barracks are erected and for a long time the castle belongs to the military. The earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage to the fortress walls.
Only at the beginning of the 20th century, the Castle of St. George was awarded the honorary title of a national monument and restoration work began. It is difficult to say how old exactly those walls that we can see now, almost certainly they were thoroughly renovated quite recently, nothing lasts forever under the Moon. The restoration also included the demolition of barracks and institutions of a later construction.
This is what the castle looked like in the 19th century Archaeological excavations have been carried out confirming the antiquity of the castle. Now, what was found during excavations is exhibited in a special archaeological museum, but all these shards and fragments of bygone times are unlikely to impress anyone. The archaeological museums of Portugal can only interest narrow specialists in archeology; most tourists will not find anything interesting there for themselves.
What to do at St. George's Castle?
You just need to walk around the castle, enjoy the views from its walls. Perhaps arranging yourself a dinner at one of the stone tables is a great idea. There is only one restaurant on the territory, the prices there are slightly overpriced due to the popularity of the place, but nothing prevents you from grabbing sandwiches bought in the store with you.
Tables and benches on the walls of the castle We bought ourselves a glass of port at the Wine with view mobile kiosk, sat and enjoyed a great view of the city.
In the castle of St. George 
Tagus River, April 25 Bridge and Cristo Rei 
The roofs of Lisbon, the Figueira square got into the frame 
Courtyards of local residents under the very walls of the castle I highly recommend visiting the camera obscura. The camera obscura is located in the treasury tower or archive tower. All royal wealth (tax revenues and royal rent) and government securities were consistently kept in Torre do Tombo. Until now, the Portuguese national archive is called Torre do Tombo, which literally means the archive tower.
As I already mentioned, the visit to the camera obscura is organized by sessions in Portuguese and English. The essence of the attraction is that a cunning, purely mechanical device of lenses and mirrors projects an image of Lisbon onto a concave mirror. A camera attendant shows the audience about various monuments and buildings in Lisbon and talks about them. With the help of a lever, the guide moves the image over the mirror, in fact, in this way we saw the whole city in 20 minutes. Since the process takes place in real time, the camera obscura can be closed in bad weather.
Camera obscura, photo from the official site of the Castle Of course we climbed all the fortress walls. We took 10,000 photos.
Castle walls But we did not have time to visit the Moorish Quarter (XI-XII centuries) with a guide, the last session had already ended. The archaeological zone itself does not look interesting at all, you can see only foundations there.
Archaeological Zone of the Castle 
Archaeological area of the castle The main treasures of the Mauritanian Quarter are hidden under a reinforced concrete case, so you won't be able to see anything on your own. The brochure promises to show 2 buildings with a total area of 160 and 190 sq. m, decorated with geometric patterns in the Moorish style. The main value of these buildings lies in the fact that they date from the XI-XII centuries, i.e. this is even before the Portuguese period. If anyone has been on this excursion, please share the details in the comments. Portuguese cat 
Tourists have nothing to feed the peacock
In general, the Castle of St. George is certainly a very ancient place, very significant for the Portuguese, but you need to soberly assess the nature of the exposition. Usually, ancient artifacts do not look very beautiful and the very antiquity of relics is not capable of impressing the vast majority of tourists. However, we really liked the walk through the castle, we are not at all sorry for the money spent on entrance tickets.
Later we visited the castle of the Moors in Sintra and concluded that both of these castles were built in the same style, the main thing there is the impressive views from the walls and the surrounding nature. In the castle of the Moors in Sintra, nature includes forests, plants and flowers, and in the castle of St. George in Lisbon, peacocks, cats and Mediterranean pines.
In the next article I will explain. The article will be prepared based on the materials of a tourist brochure that fell into my hands in Lisbon.
Want to travel to Lisbon on your own? Read one article for a short one. You will learn: about all types of transfers from the airport (cost), about the cost of tickets for public transport, get a plan for exploring the city for 6 days, find out which museums are worth visiting and which ones to skip.
