- Join for free
- Sign In
Latest Lisbon hotel reviews
Helpfulness
Photo: Hilltop citadel - Lisbon's Castelo de São Jorge
What is it about a group of seven hills that makes them a magnet for a city to take root there? Rome, Amman, Barcelona, San Francisco, Prague, Istanbul - lots of others ... and Lisbon is one also. The historic heart of Lisbon is to found on these hills, and, with their steep narrow streets crammed with terra-cotta roofed buildings, they present something of a challenge to a visitor's lung capacity.
The hills rise up from narrow stretch of land along the Tejo River, the sector known as Baixa - the Lower Town. Whilst the best views are to be had from the heights of the hills (more of that later), it's also interesting to stand in the lower city and look up. Dominating the skyline to the east, the Castelo de São Jorge has stood guard over the city for hundreds of years, but long before this castle was built, the hill it stands on was the natural place to site the main defences of settlements here from the 2nd century BC and perhaps even earlier. Iberians, Romans and Visgoths all built their citadels here but the castle we see today was begun by the Moors and named the Alcáçova.
After some 400 years of Moorish rule, Crusaders captured the castle in 1147 and it finally became the seat of Christian power in the country in 1255 after which it was considerably enlarged and strengthened. King João I dedicated the castle to St George, the patron saint of England, in honour of his English queen in the 14th century. The castle was only home to the Portuguese kings for another 100 years before they moved to an altogether more comfortable palace befitting the monarchs of a powerful seafaring nation.
Centuries of use as a prison and barracks followed until restorations and the creation of lovely gardens in the second half of the 20th century saw a once grim bastion become a favourite place for locals and tourist to visit and relax. With spectacular views from the shady terraces - and occasional peeks into private hillside gardens, walltop walkways and towers, a couple of historical displays and even a small and picturesque residential area (Santa Cruz) right at the entrance, allow at least a half a day to visit the castle and surrounding area.
Within the castle precinct, there's a cafe serving coffee and the ubiquitous pasteis de nata as well as substantial Portuguese dishes for lunch at olive- and pine-tree- shaded tables. Even getting up there is fun - the famous No 28 tram will take you within a short walk via the streets of Santa Cruz.
Be sure to nod to São Jorge in his glass case as you pass through into the castle.
Updated Jan 27, 2012
The castle, partly dating back to the 6th century, sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Visitors can climb the towers and ramparts for spectacular views of Lisbon. You can also sit in the castle gardens where peacocks, geese and ducks freely walk around.
Updated Jan 2, 2012
Helpfulness
St George's Castle proudly dominates the hilltop of the Alfama old town area and can be seen from various parts of the city. Parts of the castle date from the 6th century. It was once occupied by the Moors but was captured from them by Portugal's first king Afonso Henriques in 1147. Today there is quite a lot of the castle walls left and it is possible to go for a walk along its battlements. There are fantastic views over Lisbon from the castle walls. There was a restaurant inside the castle which we did not use. There were peacocks happily roaming the castle grounds. I believe there is normally an entry fee for visiting the casle but when we went on Christmas Eve it was free - not entirely sure why.
Written Jan 1, 2012
Helpfulness
Saint George Castle (The Castle of Sao Jorge) is from 6 century and can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. The castle fortified by the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors. This strongly fortified citadel, is located atop the highest hill in the historic center of the city. The great 1755 Lisbon earthquake severely damaged the castle and contributed to its degradation but today is one of the main historical sites of Lisbon
Open:
9 am – 9 pm (March – October)
9 am -6 pm (November - February)
Updated Jul 25, 2011
Helpfulness
Built in 1523 by a Portuguese businessman impressed and inspired by Italian architecture, this odd house has nothing in common with traditional Portuguese architecture, but it is one of the most surprising buildings that survived the earthquake.
Halfway from Terreiro do Paço and Alfama, it is easily seen (and the outside is the only thing you may see).
Updated Apr 28, 2011
The official residence of the President of Portuguese Republic is a palace built in the 18th century in Belém. It's possible to visit the palace but only in organized groups, booked through the palace's national museum.
Updated Feb 14, 2011
Phone: +351 213614600
Website: http://www.presidenciarepublica.pt/
Helpfulness
It's far from being one of the best castles in Portugal, but it precious story, accessibility, great sights over the city and the typicism of the surrounding quarters turn it in a mandatory visit.
At the eastern end of tram 28 line, it is a natural stop, to discover the city descending to the centre.
Updated Feb 9, 2011
Helpfulness
The conquest of Lisbon was a decisive step towards our nationality and independence.
Afonso Henriques, our first king is celebrated everywhere, and the castle is no exception. Some people identify the small figure at the entrance as the king - it's a clear mistake: it's St Jorge and not the king whose statue is in evidence inside the castle.
Updated Feb 9, 2011
As far as castles go, this one has all the fixings. Thick block walls, ramparts of all sizes and forms, towers, thousands of steps, and a market to boot. There are lots of informative signs as you explore.
Written Jan 30, 2011
Helpfulness
This beautiful palace from the 18th century (Foz Palace), right in the centre of Lisbon, is now used as the centre for social communication ant tourist office. Most of its richness was moved, and today some rooms may be rented for social or cultural events.
Updated Dec 30, 2010
Sponsored Links
Lapa Palace Lisbon
4 Reviews and 205 Opinions Great weekend. Best hotel in Lisbon for gardens and outside pool 5* and so not cheap. Excellent...
Sofitel Lisboa Liberdade Lisbon
5 Reviews and 939 Opinions Ideally located right next to a metro station and a few minutes' pleasant walk from the heart of...
Four Seasons Hotel The Ritz Lisbon Lisbon
4 Reviews and 184 Opinions The Ritz lives up to its name as one of Lisbon’s finest hotels offering fabulous views of the city....
Castles and palaces tips and photos posted by real travelers and Lisbon locals.
Write a ReviewThis beautiful palace from the 18th century (Foz Palace), right in the centre of Lisbon, is now used as the centre for social communication ant tourist office....
1,076 members live in Lisbon
Q: We are travelling to Lisbon on february 18 for a couple of days. During that period of time people will celebrate carnival. Is...
A: carnival is a festive grand celebration wherever, Lisboa is no exception. If you happenned to be there, its grand. yes busy even crowded but fun all around, recommended,...
Read 3 Replies
1
Light and Lisbon, the perfect marriage. More than 300 days each year, no matter where you stand and where you look, Lisbon glows in white and bright colours, halfway from Paris and mediterranean...
2
Lisbon or Lisboa is the largest city of Portugal. It is also the capital and has the distinction of being the westernmost capital in Europe. In 1755, the city suffered extensively under an earthquake...
3
Lisboa World Pyrotechnics 2006 Following the success of the 1st World Pyrotechnics Festival 2005, Lisboa once again hosts this festival during September at Olivais Docks, in front of the Portugal...
4
The word "Lisbon" always held a sense of magic and mystery in my own personal travel lexicon. Portugal's capital city brought images of unkempt streets and slightly run down buildings to mind as I...
5
Lisboa, probably the most beautiful city there is
I lived in Portugal for most of my life and the more I travel, the more I realize that it is a great country to visit. Having lived in the outskirts (Oeiras), I didn't give Lisbon the attention it...
Build your own Lisbon page
Sponsored Links
