Castle of Saint George 🇵🇹

Perched atop a hill in the centre of Lisbon, the historic Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge) offers you a fascinating journey through centuries of Portuguese history. Human occupation on this hill dates back to at least the 8th century BC, with past fortifications occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors before King Afonso Henriques conquered it in 1147. Throughout its rich past, this national monument and museum has served as a royal palace, military barracks, a prison, and home to the royal archives.

Today, you can explore the medieval castelejo located at the citadel's highest point, complete with ten towers, a dividing wall, and stairways leading to elevated walkways. Walk through the main entrance, a 19th-century gate bearing the coat-of-arms of Portugal, which opens onto the main square decorated with old cannons and a bronze statue of Afonso Henriques. Nearby, discover the remaining walls of the Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, including the rebuilt Casa Ogival, housing a multimedia show about Lisbon's history.

Don't miss a trip to the Tower of Ulysses, which features a camera obscura that offers a remarkable 360-degree view of the capital city and the Tagus River.

What to see at Castle of Saint George

• Medieval castelejo featuring ten defensive towers and walkway paths
• Tower of Ulysses equipped with a camera obscura providing 360-degree city views
• Main square displaying historical cannons and a bronze statue of Afonso Henriques
• Royal Palace ruins, including the Casa Ogival multimedia exhibition space

Visiting tips

Climb the stairways to the wall walkways and towers to enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daylight hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

Castle of Saint George is easy to reach on Lisbon’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lisbon travel guide.