Castelo de Sao Jorge

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Castle can be seen from almost any point of Lisbon and is one of the major sights. Its oldest parts date back to the VI century when it was fortified by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors eventually.

Castle served as a Moorish royal residence until Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques conquered in the year 1147 with the help of warriors from northern Europe who were en route to the Holy Land to attend the crusade. Why was dedicated to Saint George, patron saint of England, thus commemorated and parctul-Portuguese Englishman since 1371. Castle became a royal residence until another was built in today's Comercio Square. The latter royal residence was destroyed by the great earthquake which destroyed almost the entire Lisbon.

Nowadays, Sao Jorge Castle is an oasis of tranquility and peace, but at the entrance there is a statue of King Afonso Henriques and several guns that remember the initial purpose of the castle. Alcacovas Palace, where medieval kings lived, there was left but a stone building that houses a restaurant and an exhibition today on Lisbon's history called Olissiponia. Media spectacle of this exhibition takes place in three rooms underground. In one of these rooms, Vasco da Gama was received by King Manuel. The exhibition includes a simulation of the 1755 devastating earthquake that is exemplified Carmo church demolished and tsunami that hit the port of Lisbon.

Much of the castle was destroyed over the years, especially in earthquake, but still can see a lot of defensive walls and 18 towers. Tourists can climb the towers and defensive walls can walk to enjoy the best views in Lisbon. Castle is also a perfect place for relaxation, its gardens are full of peacocks, geese and ducks to create a soothing atmosphere. Ulysses tower there "Camara Escura" a periscope that project objectives and attractions of the city.

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