St. George's castle is the predominant landmarks dating back to the 16th Century and was dedicated to the patron saint of England St. George. It occupies a prominent position in Alfama on the tip of the hill. The castle embodies museums, exquisite archaeological sites, fascinating view of the city from the river Tagus. It is a castle that houses 11 towers and battlements.
The castle was the royal residency until captured in 1147 by the king Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques. Many years later it was named after a reverend saint of England, St. George as a remembrance of the Anglo-Portuguese pact of 1371. The great earthquake of 1955 contributed a lot in destroying major parts of the castle.
One of the towers holds camera obscura which renders the viewers with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The castle was protected by moors who protested the attack by Christian invaders before being finally overrun by Afonso Henriques. The castle reflects the rich culture and history of Portugal. It is surrounded by gardens that add a spark to the castle. The castle is bifurcated into two different sections Moorish Castle (Pre-12th Century) and the Royal Palace (13-14th centuries). The minuscule portion of the castle was converted into a military barracks which was further destroyed by the earthquake in 1755.
Visible from any part of the city, the part of the castle that was home to the medieval kings, the Alcaçovas Palace has now converted into a restaurant. The three underground chambers host an archaeological museum with mystifying remnants from the lost wonder years. A climb up the towers to visit the breathtaking view around or a walk along the impeccably manicured gardens accompanied by varieties of geese, peacocks, and ducks on their usual Sautner are a few mesmerizing moments one can capture at the St Georges castle.
By Bus: Bus 737 departing from Figueira square 16 Euros.
By Train: Miradouro Santa Luzia, line 28. Metro fare 2.90 Euros if you buy onboard, 1.45 Euros prepaid transport card.
March to October:
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
November to February
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
.Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
Nil
Entrance Fee
Children: 5 Euros
Adults: 8.50 Euros
Time you can spend
2 to 3 hours
Weather
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