Visiting Sao Jorge Castle in Lisbon

São Jorge Castle crowns Lisbon’s highest hill above Alfama. Its ramparts have the best panoramic views in the city, and peacocks wander the shady gardens. Here’s how to visit, what to see and how to avoid the steep climb.

Quick answer: buy tickets online to skip the ticket line, and go at opening time or in the late afternoon for sunset light. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. To avoid the climb, take tram 28 or bus 737, a tuk-tuk, or a taxi. See São Jorge Castle tickets and tours.

About the castle

A fortress has stood on this hill since long before the Moors, who built much of the castle. In 1147, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, captured it in the siege of Lisbon. It later became a royal palace, before being damaged in the 1755 earthquake and restored in the 20th century.

What to see

• The ramparts and towers: walk the walls for views over the Baixa, the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• The main viewpoint terrace with its cannons and pine trees.
• The camera obscura in the Ulysses Tower, projecting live views of the city (weather permitting).
• The archaeological site: remains from the Iron Age, the Moorish quarter and a palace.
• The museum with finds from the hill.
• Peacocks roaming the gardens.

Tips

• Queues: the ticket line can be long in summer, so book ahead.
• Sunset: the castle is one of the best places for a Lisbon sunset. See Lisbon viewpoints.
• Shoes: the paths and walls are uneven.
• Combine with Alfama, the cathedral and the Portas do Sol viewpoint. See Alfama.

Getting there

Walk up through Alfama (steep), take tram 28 to Largo das Portas do Sol and walk up, or take bus 737 from Praça da Figueira to the castle gate. A tuk-tuk is the easiest option. See Lisbon tuk-tuk tours.

More: castles in Portugal, Lisbon in one day and things to do in Lisbon.

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