Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge Review

Although St. George's Castle was constructed by the Moors, the site had previously been fortified by Romans and Visigoths. At the main entrance is a statue of Dom Afonso Henriques, whose forces in 1147 besieged the castle and drove the Moors from Lisbon. The ramparts offer panoramic views of the city's layout as far as the towering Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge; be careful of the uneven footing. Remnants of a palace that was a residence of the kings of Portugal until the 16th century house a cozy, stately restaurant, and a multimedia exhibit on the city's history that brings to life the drama of such episodes as the Great Earthquake of 1755. From the Câmara Escura in the Torre de São Lourenço, in the castle's keep, you can spy on visitors going about their business below. The outer walls encompass a small neighbourhood, Castelo, the medieval church of Santa Cruz, restaurants, and souvenir shops.