Castelo de São Jorge
Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Alfama
Täglich 9–21 Uhr (Sommer), 9–18 Uhr (Winter)
15€ (Erwachsene), kostenlos unter 12
The Castelo de São Jorge sits atop the highest hill in Alfama and is Lisbon's oldest structure — its roots trace back to the Iron Age. Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors built here before Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, captured the castle from the Moors in 1147 with the help of crusading knights.
What is there to see?
- The walls and towers: Eleven preserved towers, walkable battlements, and walls with panoramic views over all of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the Ponte 25 de Abril. The Torre de Ulisses has a Camera Obscura (guided demonstration included in the entrance fee).
- Archaeological excavation: Beneath the castle walls, remnants from the Iron Age, Roman, and Moorish periods have been uncovered. A fascinating insight into 3,000 years of city history.
- The gardens: Peacocks strut through the gardens, cork oaks provide shade, and the view from the cannon terrace is postcard-worthy.
Is the entrance worth it?
The 15€ entrance fee is fair for the view and the history — but the very best view is free from the surrounding Miradouros. Those on a budget can skip the entrance and enjoy the view from Graça or the Portas do Sol.
