São Jorge Castle: Lisbon’s Iconic Fortress

Perched on Lisbon’s highest hill, São Jorge Castle is where you’ll find some of the best views of Lisbon. This historic castle has watched over the city for centuries, standing as a symbol of Portugal’s rich past. During my visit, I was struck by how well the medieval castle blends into the city landscape while at the same time offering a peaceful escape from the busy streets below. It’s like visiting a park and a castle at the same time.

The castle sits proudly above the Alfama district, with its thick walls and towers visible from many parts of the city. Named after England’s patron saint, Saint George’s Castle (or St. George’s Castle/Castelo de São Jorge), it’s the perfect stop for history buffs. And if you love panoramic views, you’ll love the view of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s red rooftops.

History of São Jorge Castle

The site of São Jorge Castle has been home to fortifications since ancient times. The Romans, Visigoths and Moors have all left a mark here. The castle we see today largely dates from the Moorish period in the 11th century. During this time, the Moorish castle served as both a military stronghold and a home for the elite. Today, you can still see its 11 towers and imagine how intimidating they must have been back in those days.

The castle’s story changed dramatically during the Second Crusade. This crusade wasn’t the most successful campaign for the Christians. However, the major highlight of importance was the Siege of Lisbon, when Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, captured Lisbon from the Moors in 1147. This point marked the end of Moorish rule, and Lisbon officially came under Portuguese control. After taking control, he strengthened the castle walls to make them harder to breach.

It was King João who made further improvements in the late 13th century after Lisbon became Portugal’s capital. Under his rule, the castle became more comfortable for the royal court while maintaining its military strength. He was also the one to dedicate it to Saint George to honour the Anglo-Portuguese alliance in 1371. For the next 400 years, the castle served as a royal residence and military base.

Everything changed in 1755 when a massive earthquake struck Lisbon. The disaster heavily damaged the castle and destroyed the royal palace. After this, the royal family moved to the Ajuda Palace, and the castle lost its place as the center of Portuguese power. The castle we visit today is primarily the result of restoration work done in the 1920s. The site was declared a National Monument in 1910, highlighting its historical significance to Portugal.

Architecture of São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is a striking example of medieval military architecture. While its earliest structures date back to the 1st century BC, much of what we see today comes from the Moorish period and later Christian reconstructions.

The castle’s design reflects its defensive purpose. It was built as a mighty fortress protecting Lisbon with thick stone walls, battlements and 11 crenellated towers. Key features include the Torre de Ulisses (where legend says Ulysses founded the city) and the Arco do Castelo, a stone archway that leads to the inner courtyard.

The layout follows the classic hilltop fort style. Narrow paths, steep staircases and lookout points offer sweeping views over Lisbon. The view of the Tagus River was a crucial feature and perfect for spotting incoming ships. You’ll also notice architectural elements added after the Christian reconquest, such as Gothic-style windows and reconstructed walkways from the 20th-century restoration.

Although much of the castle is in ruins, its architectural layers tell the story of many rulers, from Romans and Visigoths to Moors and Portuguese kings. If you love castles, especially those in ruins, you’ll love the São Jorge Castle.

Things to See at São Jorge Castle

Within the castle walls are a few spots to stop for a drink, and there are many areas to relax and enjoy the views. It was sweltering when we were there, and I couldn’t imagine what life was like for those who had to sit there as a lookout.

Leaning against the thick walls surrounding the castle gives you an idea of how important this location was for defending the port. You can see far and wide. It would be easy to spot an enemy ship in the distance and sound the alert before it reached the shore.

Stroll through the gardens

Once you get your ticket, you will find yourself in a very peaceful green space. Olive trees and other native species create shade and add beauty to the otherwise rocky grounds. These gardens weren’t part of the original military design but make today’s visit more pleasant, especially during hot days.

Sometimes you can spot peacocks as they roam freely throughout the gardens. It can add unexpected charm to this historic castle, if you’re into that. The gardens offer plenty of spots to rest and take in the surroundings before exploring the more structured parts of the castle.

Walk the castle’s walls

I was super excited to realize that you can walk along the defensive walls that surround the castle hill. Not much else really remains other than the walls, but it’s still a very incredible experience. It reminded me of walking along the fortified walls of Old Town in Dubrovnik.

There are many lookout points, towers and stairs along the castle walls. The journey doesn’t take long, depending on how often you stop. There are safety railings everywhere, which make it safer to get around. The views of the city are truly spectacular, especially on a sunny day. Although Lisbon is a busy city, it’s easy to forget that. The castle is high enough that it overlooks the rest of Lisbon.

What is known as the traitor’s gate in the inner courtyard sounds more exciting than it is. This opening was used by messengers and deserters alike. There is also the well that once provided water to the castle. There is not much to see today, but you can appreciate its critical role.

Check out the Camera Obscura in the Black Chamber

The Tower of Ulysses (Torre de Ulisses) houses one of the castle’s most interesting features – the Camera Obscura or Black Chamber. This optical device uses lenses and mirrors to project a real-time 360-degree view of Lisbon onto a surface inside the darkened room. It will give you an idea of what Lisbon looked like before the earthquake in 1755 that destroyed a fair bit of the city, altering how Lisbon looks today.

Visit the heritage exhibition at São Jorge Castle

The archaeological site within the castle grounds reveals layers of history dating back to the Iron Age. The permanent exhibition displays artifacts from various periods, including Roman, Visigothic, Moorish, and medieval Portuguese eras.

I thought this was an interesting, if somewhat limiting, experience. It was great to see evidence of the past cultures and see how significant this site was. I thought there would be more to see, but I don’t believe all of it was open when we visited. As the display of archeological discoveries is included in the admission price, it’s worth stopping by to check it out.

Royal Ruins of the Alcáçova

The Alcáçova area was once home to the royal residence that stood within the castle walls. Though largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, the remaining ruins will give you a glimpse into palace life. Archaeological work has uncovered the foundations of rooms that once housed the royal court. You can find information panels to help you imagine what the palace looked like before the disaster struck. The ruins show how the site changed from a purely military structure to a place where royalty lived.

Enjoy the panoramic views

Perhaps the most memorable feature of São Jorge Castle is the stunning view of Lisbon from its vantage points. You can get a great view of the city and the Tagus River gleaming in the distance, and imagine what life was like centuries ago. If you get here in time for sunset, you’ll be able to get some spectacular shots of the city. A must-see, in my opinion.

Practical tips

How to get to São Jorge Castle

It is quite the trek to get to the castle from the city centre. If you’re coming from downtown, you can start from Praça da Figueira or Rua dos Fanqueiros and follow the signs uphill. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes from the city center but involves climbing steep streets.

The wall can be challenging to navigate some of these narrow streets, but it’s fascinating to see. If you’re not up for walking, there are a few other options to get to the São Jorge Castle. Here are the best options:

• Tram 28E to Largo Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia Viewpoint stops
• 737 bus to Praça da Figueira-Castelo de S. Jorge
• Taxi or rideshare directly to the castle entrance on Rua de Santa Cruz
• Rossio metro to Praça da Figueira

When to visit the São Jorge Castle

The castle gets crowded during peak tourist season (June through August). Also, many visitors aim for the golden hour before sunset to take their sunset pics of the city. However, this is also when crowds peak, especially during summer.

For a more relaxed experience, try visiting:

• Early morning, right after opening
• Late afternoon, about two hours before closing
• Weekdays instead of weekends
• Spring or fall instead of summer months

Opening hours and ticket prices

You can buy tickets online to skip the line or get them at the castle’s ticket office. Audio guides are available for an additional fee.

Tips for visiting the São Jorge Castle

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces
• Bring water, especially during warmer months
• Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the castle grounds
• Visit the Camera Obscura early in your visit to orient yourself
• Check the schedule for guided tours if you want more historical context
• Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there’s limited shade in some areas
• The castle is mostly outdoors, so check the weather forecasts before visiting
• Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time

Final thoughts on the São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle stands as one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions for good reason. It combines fascinating history with some of the best views in the city. It’s a great place to learn about Lisbon’s Moorish period and the city’s development on the Iberian Peninsula. I suggest pairing this stop with the Ajuda National Palace.

Whether you’re interested in Portugal’s rich history, want to see Lisbon from its highest point, or simply enjoy exploring medieval fortifications, São Jorge Castle is worth visiting. Remember to take your time, wear good shoes, and bring your camera as the views are truly unforgettable.