Castle of Sao Jorge in Lisbon
The Castle of Sao Jorge (Saint George) is a Moorish fortress overlooking Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The strongly fortified citadel dates since medieval times and is one of the main historical and touristic sites of Lisbon. An imposing presence, it can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.
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Located on the highest hill in the historic centre of the city, Sao Jorge was built on remains of older fortresses dating since the second century BC, relating to ancient civilizations such as the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginans, followed by the Roman and the Visigoths.
The castle layout is roughly square, originally encircled by a wall. The complex consists of the castle proper and ancillary buildings, including the ruins of the royal palace with twin towers,m gardens and a large terraced square providing breathtaking views of Lisbon.
A 19th century gate grants access to the main citadel, bearing Portugal's coat of arms and the name of Queen Maria II. The main square behind the gate is decorated with old cannons and a bronze statue of Alfonso Henriques, a Portuguese monarch who conquered the castle from the Moors. The original statue was carved by famous sculptor Antonio Soares de Reis.
Of the ruined Royal Palace, the Casa Ogival room was rebuilt, now hosting Olissiponia, a multimedia exhibit about the history of the city and a restaurant.
The medieval castle, located on the northwest corner, was the last stronghold of the complex. It is rectangular and features ten towers. The walkway above the walls and the towers are reached through a series of stairways and offer magnificent views of the city. The Tower of Ulysses houses a periscope providing panoramas of Lisbon.
The south and east sides of the fortress feature a barbican, a wall that protected against siege engines, while the northern and western sides are naturally fortified through the steep hillside. A moat surround the castle, spanned by a stone bridge towards the main gate.
