St. George's Castle in Lisbon, this is how to visit the great fortress, schedules and prices

One of the essential visits trust your tourist trip to Lisbon is, undoubtedly, Castle of St. George.

More than the rooms that you will be able to discover in the castle, the greatest attraction of your visit will be walking through a fortified enclosure that has been a key protagonist in the history of Lisbon and Portugal.

And, above all, for the excellent panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River Estuary that you will be able to enjoy from its viewpoints.

When during your Lisbon visit go up to St. George's castle It will be easy for you to understand why it is of one of the most visited monuments in Portugal nowadays.

History of St. George's Castle, from a Muslim citadel to a Royal Palace

Among the historical curiosities of Castle of St. George I will tell you that initially it was known as the Castle of the Moors.

Although already in the iron age There was a fortified town on the hill where it is located, and all the occupants of the Iberian Peninsula settled there, from the Phoenicians to the Romans and the Visigoths. It is known that in the time of the Muslims there was a fortress.

This Muslim citadel was made up of a first square-shaped fortified enclosure of about 50 meters on a side, which was surrounded by surrounding walls.

During the 12th century, the citadel was conquered for the Christians by Alfonso I, who in 1139 proclaimed himself King of Portugal.

From the 13th century onwards, the fortification became the Royal Palace grounds, and had a great boom until the 16th century.

But in that century the decision was made to transfer the King and the Court to Ribeira Palace, located on the banks of the tagus river.

Since then, the St. George's castle It became a military barracks.

After Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the old Royal Palace, The castle, walls and churches were left in ruins.

Although some buildings were built on them, the rebirth of the St. George's castle did not occur until the beginning of the 20th century, when it was declared National Monument.

Subsequently, at the end of the 30s, archaeological work began to recover the monument, which finally happened after new remodeling works in the 60s.

What to see when visiting Saint George's Castle

When you arrive at the castle grounds you will be on a first line of walls that is actually a long succession of viewpoints from where you have the aforementioned panoramic views of the Lisbon city.

Former Royal Palace in St. George's Castle

Next to the viewpoints you will find a built complex, which is the exponent of what was once the Royal Palace.

It currently houses an area of museum, as well as the castle café and restaurant

From it you will be able to see that eleven towers are still preserved that you can climb as you walk along its wall.

The most prominent and highest is the tower of tribute.

Lisbon in 360º from The Periscope of Saint George's Castle

As a curiosity, in the Ulysses Tower, right at the entrance to this fortified enclosure, is the Periscope, an optical system invented by Leonardo da Vinci that offers you in real time a 360 degree panoramic view of the city of Lisbon.

It is a dark camera similar to what you can see, for example, in the Tavira Tower of Cádiz.

Finally, next to the enclosure of the Castillejo you can see one archaeological area where remains of the Iron age (7th century BC), as well as the remains of what was the Islamic residential neighborhood.

Visiting hours of St. George's Castle

The  Visiting hours of the Castle of Saint George in Lisbon They are every day of the week, from March to October, from 9 a.m. to 21 p.m., and from November to February, from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m., always with last access half an hour before.

St. George's Castle Ticket Prices

As for ticket prices to visit St. George's Castle, the general rate is 15 euros.

But there is also a reduced rate of 7,50 euros for students under 26 years of age, and for seniors +65 and people with disabilities, 12,50 euros.

In addition, they can visit St. George's Castle for free children under 12 years of age.

If you sign up for themed guided tours, the additional price is 2,50 euros.

Schedule to visit the Dark Chamber of the Castle of San Jorge

The Visiting hours of the Camera Obscura of the Tower of Ulysses They are, from April to September, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m., with last entry half an hour before closing, and from October to March, from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

Admission is free, and through the aforementioned Periscope you have different panoramic views of Lisbon monuments, in a visit that lasts about 20 minutes, which takes place every half hour.

Best Photos of views of Lisbon from Castillo San Jorge

In advance of your visit to St. George's castle, here you have some photos of panoramic views of Lisbon from its viewpoints and walls.