Castelo de Sao Jorge

Overview

There are few sites in Lisbon with such a complex history and so many remains still to show for it as the Castelo de São Jorge. It's a site of battles, political events, displays of power and mustering military might.

While the Gothic appearance of the Castelo today is mainly the result of royal building projects in the 13th and 14th centuries, this hilltop has had some form of occupation since the eighth century BCE. Home to ancient Romans and the location of the Kasbah during the Islamic occupation, it was rebuilt after the reconquest, complete with barbican and moat.

The partially ruined Royal Palace was abandoned in the 16th century and, after a period of military use, reformed by architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles. Today, its gardens, squares, towers and fortifications welcome visitors from all over the world to wander the grounds, greenery and stone halls, seven days a week.

One of the most popular sites is the Tower of Ulysses, with its modern camera obscura and telescope providing a 360-degree hilltop view of the city.