São Jorge Castle

About this place

This hill has supported fortifications through many periods of Lisbon's history. Portuguese forces captured the castle in 1147, and it later served royal and military purposes. Explore the walls with the city below in view to understand the strategic attraction of the site. The hill's occupation reaches far earlier than the medieval castle, which is why the site cannot be explained by a single conquest. Its later roles included a royal palace, barracks and the home of the national archive. Each use reflects a different way that an elevated, protected location could serve the city and its rulers.