Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
Majestically situated at the highest point of Lisbon's central hill, the Castle of São Jorge offers a privileged perspective over the city and the Tagus River estuary. Its dominant position, visible from multiple points across the capital, marks the urban silhouette and takes us back to Lisbon's most remote origins. From this elevated point, it is possible to contemplate a vast expanse of the Lisbon landscape, stretching over historic rooftops to the vastness of the river.
The Castle and its walls, which unfurl down the hillside, represent the historical and defensive heart of the city. Its strategic location was fundamental for the control and protection of the settlement that would become the capital of Portugal, functioning as a beacon of security and vigilance throughout the centuries.
The history of the Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon's walls is a mirror of the city's own evolution. Its origins date back to fortifications erected since the 1st century BC, upon which Romans, Visigoths, and Moors successively built. During the Islamic period, known as Alcáçova, it was the political and military center of the city, protecting an important community.
Its conquest in 1147 by D. Afonso Henriques marked a crucial turning point in Portugal's history, transforming it from a Moorish Alcáçova into the Castle of the Kings of Portugal. It served as a royal residence for centuries, a stage for important ceremonies and celebrations, and witnessed decisive moments in the formation and consolidation of the kingdom, until it was replaced by the Ribeira in the 16th century.
The architectural complex of the Castle of São Jorge is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture. It is composed of the Alcáçova, or citadel, which includes its eleven towers, the parade ground, and the romantic courtyard. The robust walls, some of which can still be walked along, and the remains of the defensive perimeters that extended through the city, such as the Moorish Wall (Cerca Moura) and the later Fernandine Wall (Cerca Fernandina), are distinctive elements that narrate its defensive function.
The various turrets, including the imposing Keep (Torre de Menagem), and the fortified gates, demonstrate the complexity of the defensive techniques of the era. The internal structure of the castle, with its multiple courtyards and the arrangement of the walls, allows for a clear understanding of its organization as a fortress and royal residence.
Beyond its historical and architectural value, the Castle of São Jorge offers a serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Its gardens invite tranquility, and the presence of peacocks that roam freely adds a unique touch to the site. This contrast between the imposing walls and the peacefulness of the gardens creates a unique atmosphere.
The panoramic views over the urban fabric, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge are one of the highlights of a visit. It is a place that invites contemplation, offering a comprehensive perspective on the Portuguese capital and its relationship with the estuary, a setting that has been a source of inspiration and admiration throughout the centuries.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_São_Jorge
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.713606840768556,-9.13342802077718
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'49.0"N 09°08'0.3"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
