São Jorge Castle
Castelo de São Jorge
A Moorish castle and medieval royal palace on the top of Alfama hill. Its walkways offer 360-degree views over the red-tiled Baixa and the Tagus, making it one of Lisbon's best viewpoints.
São Jorge Castle sits on one of Lisbon's highest hills. Most of its surviving walls date from the Moorish period in the 11th century. After Afonso I, Portugal's first king, captured it in 1147, it served as a royal palace until the early 16th century. Today it has 11 towers and walkways along the walls, with 360-degree views over the Baixa, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus. The grounds have peacocks wandering freely, an archaeological site and a camera obscura. Admission is about 15 euros. Buying tickets online lets you skip the queue. The best times to visit are at opening time or in the evening for sunset. Getting there: the 737 minibus runs from Figueira Square directly to the castle gate. Alternatively, take tram 28E to the Portas do Sol and walk uphill for about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
Mar–Oct 9:00 am–9:00 pm; Nov–Feb 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Tram 28
- Alfama
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Lisbon Cathedral
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
- Rossio Square
- Santa Justa Lift
- Rua Augusta Arch