Castelo de Sao Jorge crowns the skyline of central Lisbon.  Fortifications have been in this place for many centuries and it offers a stunning viewpoint over the city, with plenty of nooks to explore within its walls.

We caught the 28 tram most of the way up the hill, although some backtracking was required before we located the entrance to the castle.  This ended up being a happy mistake as we stumbled upon some very cool graffiti in the side streets.

You enter the castle through an imposing 19th-century gate decorated by the crest of Portugal.  Inside is a statute of Dom Afonso Henriques, whose forces besieged the castle and drove the Moors from Lisbon in 1147.

Straightaway the views are awesome, stretching all the way along the River Tejo in the west down to the 25 April Bridge and beyond.

The royal palace, built mainly in the 15th century, is now only ruins, but the medieval fortifications remain, including eleven different towers.

I loved the gorgeous thick walls of the medieval fortifications, and getting so many different perspectives on Lisbon.  There’s not much now remaining inside the walls themselves, although there is a museum you can visit to learn more about the castle’s inhabitants over the centuries.

Bits & Pieces

The castle is open 9am – 6pm from 1 November to 28 February, and 9am – 9pm from 1 March to 31 October

Entry to the castle costs €7.50 for adults, €4 for students & seniors, and children under 10 are free

The castle can be reached by foot from central Lisbon, by bus, or by the 28 tram – just check with the driver where you should get off!