S.Jorge Castle Old Door

Lisboa / Portugal



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Old Lisbon



Old Lisbon - Castelo I



Sao Cristovao Church



Castle of Sao Jorge or Saint George Castle can be a magical place to explore and to contemplate old Lisbon.. Set on a hilltop high above Lisbon, it was once used as a fortress by the Moors until it fell in 1147.
The site was occupied by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being transformed into the Royal Palace in the 14th century. Visitors can climb the towers, walk along the reconstructed ramparts of the castle walls and enjoy extraordinary views over the city and Tagus river. Geese and ducks roam around the castle gardens, which are surrounded by native oak, pine and olive trees.

The castle is still intact for the most part and wows visitors to this monument every year. It has an area of around 6.000 square meters, with terraces, towers, lookouts and a moat. It is the perfect place to spend the day exploring and taking in the sights.

Perched above the enticing tangle of streets in Alfama, São Jorge Castle has 11 towers and a dry moat. Visitors can explore the museum in the former Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, marvel at archaeological ruins from the 7th century and see Lisbon ‘through the looking glass’ of the periscope in Torre de Ulisses. Also not to be missed is Casa Ogival with its five pointed arches and Olisipónia, a multimedia show about the history of Lisbon. The tiny neighbourhood of Santa Cruz is also tucked inside the castle walls. Take a detailed guided tour to learn more about the castle’s heritage, enjoy the diverse program of arts and cultural events or simply gaze down at the streets of Lisbon from this unique vantage point.


Origins

Although the first fortifications on this Lisbon hilltop are known to be no older than the 2nd century BC, archaeological research has shown that humans have occupied the site since the 6th century BC, and possibly earlier. The hill was employed in early times by indigenous Celtic tribes, and others, probably Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians, have also left their cultural footprints there. Afterwards, Roman, Suebic, Visigothic, and Moorish settlers lived where the castle now stands.[link]