St. George's Castle

St. George's Castle

St. George's Castle is located in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and is an iconic landmark of the city, built in the 12th century. Situated on the highest hill in Lisbon, the castle offers commanding views from above, with cliffs on three sides making it highly defensible.

Parts of St. George's Castle walls were constructed by the Visigoths, and from the labyrinthine fortifications, one can admire the entire city. The Tagus River flows along the perimeter, serving as a natural defensive barrier. From here, visitors can better appreciate the city’s architectural artistry: from Alfama to the futuristic castles and drawbridges of the distant urban area, as well as the open-air ruins of the Carmo Convent in the city center. From the time of Saint Denis to the Manueline period, the castle served as a royal residence and remains a beautiful place for a stroll—with gardens, ponds, a few swans or peacocks, and more. Throughout history, St. George's Castle was occupied by the Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians, and was used multiple times as the military, governmental, and administrative center of Portugal.

In 1940, Salazar ordered the demolition of all structures built after the Manueline period. Most of the castle we see today was reconstructed during the Salazar era, with towers and walls made from stones salvaged from the original fortress. Climbing up to St. George's Castle offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Lisbon, and the site also features a small zoo and botanical garden.