Echoes of History——From the Moors to the Kingdom of Portugal

The history of the Castle of São Jorge can be traced back to the 2nd century BC, when it was already a fortification on the Iberian Peninsula. However, it was during the Moorish rule in the 8th century AD that it really rose. The castle was once an important military fortress for the Moorish rulers. The strong walls and strategic geographical location made it the best barrier to defend against foreign enemies.

In 1147, King Afonso I of Portugal led the Crusaders to capture Lisbon. The Castle of St. George became the royal residence and witnessed the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal. As time went by, the castle gradually lost its military use, but it is still a shining pearl of Lisbon, telling the glorious story of this city for future generations.

Climb the castle and overlook the whole Lisbon

The most amazing thing about the Castle of St. George is the unparalleled panoramic view. Standing on the city wall, you can see the beauty of the whole Lisbon - the alleys with red roofs, the glittering Rio Tejo, and the Ponte 25 de Abril in the distance. Everything seems to jump out of the picture.

Here, you can find a place on the edge of the city wall and quietly enjoy the sunset. The sunset slowly falls, and the golden afterglow sprinkles on the city's buildings. The whole Lisbon is dyed with a soft warm color, which is extremely romantic. If you are a photography enthusiast, don't miss this best shooting angle. Any photo you take will be a postcard-like beauty.

Explore the interior of the castle and feel the historical atmosphere

In addition to the unbeatable view, the interior of the castle is also full of historical charm. After entering from the city gate, you will see ancient towers and winding stone steps, which seem to tell you stories of the past. The most worthwhile places to see in the castle include:

Caminho de Ronda: Walking along the towering city walls, you can not only feel the heavy history, but also appreciate Lisbon from different angles.

Torre de Ulisses: This tower is equipped with a dark camera photography device (Camer Obscura), which allows you to observe the city in a new way through unique optical principles.

Archaeological Site (Núcleo Arqueológico): Here, the remains of the ancient Roman and Moorish periods buried under the castle are displayed, allowing people to have a deeper understanding of the historical changes of this land.

Garden and Peacock: The castle's courtyard is full of greenery, and you can occasionally see peacocks strolling leisurely. They seem to be the "guardians" of the castle, adding a touch of vitality to this ancient castle.

Practical Information and Tour Tips

If you plan to go to the Castle of St. George, the following information can help you plan your trip better:

Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

Opening hours:

March to October: 09:00-21:00 (last admission time 20:30)

November to February: 09:00-19:00 (last admission time 18:30)

Ticket price:

Adults: 15 euros

Students and tourists over 65 years old: 12.50 euros

Children under 12 years old: free

Best time to visit: It is recommended to go around 4 pm, which can avoid the high temperature at noon and enjoy the sunset.

Transportation:

Tram: Take tram No. 28 to Alfama, and then walk to the castle.

Bus: Take bus No. 737 to the castle entrance.

Walking: If your physical strength allows, you can walk up the mountain from the city center, and you can also enjoy the charming scenery of Alfama along the way.

Immerse in the dream of the castle Sao Jorge Castle is not just an ancient castle, it is a symbol of Lisbon, where history and beauty meet. When you stand on the top of this castle and look at this charming city in the breeze, you will understand why it is a place that every tourist who comes to Lisbon does not want to miss. Bring your camera and put on a pair of comfortable shoes, let's climb up and feel the most dreamy castle in Lisbon-Sao Jorge Castle!