Sao Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle crowns the highest hill of Lisbon's historic centre, overlooking the Tagus estuary. The oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd century BCE, with Celtic, Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish occupants preceding the Portuguese conquest of 1147, when Afonso Henriques seized it during the Siege of Lisbon. It served as the royal palace after Lisbon became Portugal's capital in 1255, and King Manuel I received Vasco da Gama here on his return from India.
The 1755 earthquake caused severe damage, and major restorations followed in the 1940s and late 1990s. Classified a national monument since 1910, it draws over 1.7 million visitors annually; the Tower of Ulysses houses a camera obscura with 360-degree city views.
Visitor information
- Location
- Lisbon
- Country
- Portugal
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 38.7139, -9.1336
- Official site
- http://castelodesaojorge.pt
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Sao Jorge Castle?
- Sao Jorge Castle is in Lisbon, Portugal (approximately 38.7139, -9.1336).
- Can you visit Sao Jorge Castle?
- Yes — Sao Jorge Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://castelodesaojorge.pt for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Sao Jorge Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Sao Jorge Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at Sao Jorge Castle?
- São Jorge Castle crowns the highest hill of Lisbon's historic centre, overlooking the Tagus estuary. The oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd century BCE, with Celtic, Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish occupants preceding the Portuguese conquest of 1147, when Afonso Henriques seized it during the Siege of Lisbon. It served as the royal palace after Lisbon became Portugal's capital in 1255, and King Manuel I received Vasco da Gama here on his return from India.