Castelo de São Jorge: An Iconic Landmark
When it comes to the best places to visit Lisbon, people can't help but mention an iconic landmark, St. George's Castle, the most well-known of Lisbon's major attractions, which commands a glorious position near Alfama on the crown of a hill overlooking the Portuguese capital. This is a popular tourist destination in Lisbon. The castle's impressive battlements, engaging museum, and fascinating archaeological site combine to make it a rewarding experience for the entire family, and children, in particular, will enjoy clambering over the sturdy walls and towers that encircle the grounds.
This site has had a stronghold since the Iron Age, but it was a castle that the Moors defended against invading Christian forces before being overrun by Afonso Henriques in 1147. The victorious king constructed the Aláçova Palace, which housed subsequent monarchs until a new royal residence was built near the river. (The excavations seen today include the palace foundations.)
Most visitors are content to admire the spectacular views from the observation terrace, which offers an uninterrupted panorama of the city, the River Tagus, and the distant Atlantic Ocean. For a different perspective, there's a Camera Obscura periscope, housed in one of the towers, which provides viewers with an unusual 360-degree projected view of the city below.
Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Timings: 9AM - 7PM
Phone: +351 21 880 0620
Google rating: 4.4/5
Website: http://www.castelodesaojorge.pt/
