When going on a trip or vacation, every person wants to visit amazing places and cities that have their own spirit and atmosphere. Arriving there, you can instantly immerse yourself in their mood and feel how the locals live. It is this kind of vacation that will leave behind indelible impressions that will warm your heart for a long time. Many, without even hesitating, go to Europe. And one beautiful European country, its capital and attractions will be discussed in this article.
The sparkling pearl of the Atlantic
Portugal... This is truly a fantastic country! It extends in the southwest and includes two North Atlantic archipelagos. Many are not mistaken in calling this country the pearl of the Iberian Peninsula. It covers approximately 100,000 square kilometers and is washed by the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is generally accepted that the first inhabitants of modern Portugal were the Celts. They were fairly peaceful people, but if necessary they knew how to defend their territory. They cultivated the favorable Pyrenean soil and were engaged in cattle breeding.
Be that as it may, it is safe to say that this area has a fairly rich historical past. The country of Portugal was under Spanish rule for a long time, but about 60 years after the conquest, it regained its long-awaited independence.
Lisbon is an ancient city where time has stood still forever
The main attention of tourists who come to the country is directed to the inimitable Lisbon. located in the westernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula in the very place where the famous Tagus River merges with the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon, by the way, is many times older than cities such as Rome, Paris and London, and for more than ten years has been one of the most visited cities in the world and in Europe in particular. And this is not surprising, because the city is quite interesting and offers many places to spend your free time pleasantly and usefully.
Local landmark - St. George's Castle
Yes, the original nature, excellent cuisine and excellent wines, combined with the friendliness of the local people, make the country truly a paradise for travelers. However, Lisbon would have lost its charm if the beautiful and impregnable Castle of St. George had not been located in its mountainous part.
This fortress is evidence of what proud and brave tribes inhabited Portugal in the past. Having carefully examined the building, one can come to the conclusion that strong stone bricks and high walls made it practically invulnerable at that time.
Reconstruction and symbolism of the fortress
Regular hostilities soon affected the external condition of the castle. That is why already in the 10th century. The Moors-Berbers (tribes that inhabited the territory of modern Portugal at that time) began to repair the powerful castle and soon put it in order, thanks to which tourists can still admire its powerful fortifications.
St. George's Castle also has its own unique symbolism. It is a white shield-shaped coat of arms, which also features five small blue shields. All this indicates that the fortress had important defensive significance.
The turbulent history of the fortress
Later, the fortress became a royal residence.
The saint has always been considered the patron saint of England, so after Portugal signed the Treaty of Windsor with her, the castle, which had long demonstrated its power, received its current official name - St. George's Castle.
A fortress over which time has no power
This structure is the pinnacle of the city of Lisbon. The capital of Portugal rightfully considers it its most famous and famous landmark. The Castle of St. George is spread over seven hills. Climbing onto its powerful walls, you can see almost the whole of Lisbon.
The building is located inside an old fortress, on the territory of which even the ruins of the ancient royal palace have been preserved. This is truly an impressive sight.
The Castle of St. George covers an area of 6,000 square meters. The builders of the sixth century worked hard to erect a building that would evoke enthusiastic exclamations on the lips of its visitors for more than one millennium.
At the entrance to the fortress there are impressive-sized cannons, which remind residents of the purpose for which this structure was built. The Castle of St. George has a dungeon, namely rooms or chambers. They now house an archaeological museum with exhibits that can tell a lot about the history and culture of past generations.
The fortress is equipped with several beautiful towers. One of them, the treasury tower, has an optical device consisting of lenses, thanks to which you can see all the sights of the capital of Portugal at a glance.
The Lawrence Tower was built for a different purpose. It was located slightly outside the fortress, which allowed it to very successfully fulfill its defensive function. The entire building is made in a romantic-Gothic style. It smells like the Middle Ages, it seems that a knight in armor is about to come out and lead you behind the gloomy walls of the fortress or along the narrow corridors for which the Castle of St. George (Lisbon) is famous.
The building is adjacent to a garden, whose rich vegetation, thanks to the warm climate, can be admired almost all year round. The beauty and enchanting atmosphere of this area is worth visiting the Castle of St. George (Portugal) at least once. These are impressions that even over time will not be erased from memory.
There are places on earth that fascinate you and don’t want to let go, and Portugal is one of them. Local residents treat tourists with joy and hospitality, making the city seem even warmer and more welcoming. Wine and traditional dishes will add bright colors to an already pleasant holiday.
The Castle of St. George in Lisbon is a wonderful historical building that for a long time served as a fortress wall protecting the Portuguese capital from foreign invaders. Its history has lasted for more than two thousand years and can easily tell about the most significant events in the history of the metropolis, including the devastating earthquake of 1755.
The long-standing historical building was erected by the Visigoths in the 6th century, then it belonged to the Romans, and then to the Moors and was rebuilt many times by their tribes. The latter, by the way, inhabited this territory for several centuries and made it their refuge. The liberation of the wall occurred only in 1147 thanks to the brave Portuguese monarch Afonso Henriques. Since then, the fortress was turned into a royal residence and was actively used by the rulers. It was here that the most significant events in the history of Portugal during the period of the Great Geographical Discoveries were held (the expeditionary victories of Vasco da Gama and other famous navigators were celebrated).
After the construction of a more luxurious castle in Baixa and the transfer of the residence there, the Palace of St. George was used as:
-theater
- prisons
- arsenal.
The earthquake of 1755, which turned it into ruins, had a particularly detrimental effect on the significance of the building. It was possible to breathe life into the old buildings only in 1938 under the rule of the harsh dictator Salazar. By order of the latter, the fortress walls were significantly restored, and not far from them a beautiful city park with several monuments, fountains and numerous green spaces was organized.
During the excursion to the Castle of St. George, you can walk along the fortress walls, enjoy the incomparable landscapes of the city opening from the roof of the palace, relax in the picturesque garden, delighting visitors with clean lakes with ducks, geese and peacocks.
It is worth noting that from the observation deck of São Jorge you can see not only the general panorama of the city and the tiled roofs of houses, but also consider some, in particular: the statue of Christ, Rossio Square, Praça do Comércio, the Santa Justa funicular and some others .
In addition, the building regularly hosts multimedia exhibitions telling the story. Among the projections there are videos about the journey of Vasco da Gama during the opening of the sea route to India, the events of the earthquake of 1755, a story about the fall of the Church of Carmo and other significant events that occurred in the Portuguese capital from the time of the Inquisition to the reign of Salazar.
Castle of St. George in Lisbon: opening hours
You can enjoy the incomparable interiors and openwork bas-reliefs of the castle during the season (from March to October) from 9 to 21, and in the absence of an influx of tourists (in the remaining months) - from 9 to 18. Despite the fact that, as a rule, the building is ready to receive guests daily and may be closed during national holidays.
Castle of St. George in Lisbon: ticket prices
The cost of visiting the beautiful medieval fortress will cost almost 9 euros for adults; for children you will have to pay about 5 euros. If you want to save money, if you go to the castle with a large family, you can buy a comprehensive family pass.
Castle of St. George in Lisbon: how to get there?
Located in the historical part of the city, the Alfama district, near the Tagus River embankment. You can get there in several ways:
— by metro (a hundred meters from the attraction there is the Martim Moniz underground transport stop)
- by tram on route No. 28 (necessary stop Miradouro de Santa Luzia)
- as a result of a scenic trip on the old Gloria ski lift.
Lovers of increased comfort can also use the services of taxi drivers who, for 10 euros, will take you to St. George's Castle from almost anywhere in the Portuguese capital.
- Last minute tours to Portugal
The historical core of the capital of Portugal, the Lisbon Kremlin, the Castle of St. George calmly observes the life of the city through the narrow loopholes and square battlements of its thousand-year-old walls. The ancient fortress of the Romans, Visigoths and Moors came under the command of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1147 - and since then every Portuguese has revered it as the basis of statehood. Today, St. George's Castle welcomes tourists with the peace and coolness of its shady courtyard, an impressive collection of medieval cannons and breathtaking panoramic views of the red mosaic of Lisbon's tiled roofs, intercepted by the blue ribbon of the Tagus River. The educational and entertainment component here is provided by the archaeological museum, restaurant and camera obscura in one of the towers of the fortress.
A little history
The Castle of St. George traces its history back to the turn of the old and new eras: first there was a fortress of the Romans, then the Visigoths, and then the Moors. In 1147, the Crusaders, led by Afonso Henriques, captured the castle, expelling the Moors, and laid the foundation for the Portuguese state. Until the 16th century, the fortress was a royal residence.
What to see
You can appreciate the appearance of the castle from afar: the fortress is perfectly visible from almost anywhere in the city. The battlements of its powerful walls stand out clearly against the blue Portuguese sky, and the foundation seems to have merged with the high hill above the Tagus River.
As you rise to the entrance to the castle, you will certainly notice the massiveness and at the same time laconic symmetry of its structure with many architectural elements: a circular moat with an arched bridge, two tiers of fortress walls with a gallery, 18 corner and watchtowers and a powerful barbican - an external fortification bastion.
The entrance to the territory of St. George's Castle lies through the main fortress gate. Pass through the massive wooden doors and you'll find yourself in a quiet courtyard filled with lush greenery, shaded by benches and peacocks, geese and ducks roaming around. Here you will be greeted by a statue of King Afonso Henriques (this glorious statesman recaptured the castle from the Moors) and a series of medieval guns - a reminder of the formidable days in the history of the fortress. Little remains of the inner palace, the residence of the Portuguese rulers: the stone building now houses a restaurant. Walking around it, you will see the entrance to the underground archaeological museum, in three halls of which finds on the territory of the fortress are presented from ancient times to the 18th century. A multimedia show about the history of Lisbon, Olyssiponia, is also shown here.
In one of the halls of the current archaeological museum, the most famous Portuguese, Vasco da Gama, once appeared before King Manuel.
I decided to dedicate this year’s last story about Portugal (but not the last post in the magazine) to one of the main attractions of Lisbon - the Castle of St. George. Actually, here is the promised alternation between Sintra and the capital. The castle is notable at least for the fact that it is one of a small number of buildings that partially survived the terrible earthquake of 1755. Well, from the hill on which it stands there are good views of the city.
However, there are places where you can look at the castle from the outside. True, I got there at the wrong sunset time
Well, in order to climb the steep hill, we had to wait several days until the sun came out. Main entrance
Saint George lost his horse and snake somewhere
At the foot of the castle lies a large terrace
From which you can admire the city with the help of such a cheat sheet
Here is the familiar Square of Commerce
Using a television camera you can see the monument to King Jose I from the rear
View of the Tagus River and the famous 25th of April Bridge. If you look closely, you can also see the statue of Christ the Redeemer
But we will have the opportunity to consider all this in more detail when we go to Belem.
Boat large
View of the city, in the center of Figueira Square
Rossio is one of the city stations, even the main one. A beautiful building with a turret and a boring roof over the platforms
All the buildings are familiar
Ruins of the Carmelite monastery
Santa Justa
TV and radio tower
The Basilica da Estrela was not included in my tourist field of vision. She didn't get in mainly because of her location.
Traditional panorama
The most impressive of guns
By the way, old olive trees grow here
Well, now let's go to the castle
First, let's get acquainted with the local fauna
A dozen proud birds walk among the trees and on the lawn at the entrance
They're not that proud, really. Beggars
An example of garden sculpture
The fortress appeared on this hill back in the 5th century, it was built by the Visigoths. Three centuries later, the Arabs settled here, during whose reign the castle was rebuilt. It is noticeable that it was built in pre-cannon times - the bastions are square, there is no additional protection against cannonballs
In 1147, the army under the leadership of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, captured the castle, and it acquired the status of a royal residence until the 16th century. Then, on the site of the current Commerce Square, a new palace was built, where the court moved. Another cat was sitting at the entrance bridge over the former ditch. She gathered crowds of tourists :)
The Castle of St. George was slowly deteriorating until the earthquake, which pretty much battered it. And they began to restore the fortress only in 1938, during the reign of Salazar. So few of the local stones remember Arab times, which is a pity
In general, there is nothing remarkable inside the castle (and it is small) - walls and courtyards
Maybe you can go watch a short film telling about the history of the fortress, but I didn’t wait half an hour before the English version started.
But from the walls there is a view of another part of the city. Here is the Alfama district, which we will walk through soon. The dome of the National Pantheon is hidden behind the building of the monastery of St. Vincent. And in the haze you can see the Vasco da Gama Bridge
There are olives inside too, and they bear fruit.
The pipe spoils the surroundings
Another view of the city, densely built old areas
By the way, it is curious that the castle borrowed its patron saint from Great Britain legally. The fact is that in 1386 the ruling dynasties of Portugal and England became related, which led to the conclusion of the Treaty of Windsor on a political union. And what is quite surprising is that the union of these states lasted until the 20th century.
Deserted courtyard
Archaeologists are working near the castle. Found old foundations
This is what the excavation site looks like
That's all for the inside of the castle, we can go to the bridge. Oh, dead end :)
One cat met me, and another saw me off. This one clearly knows how to pose, she probably even varnishes her nose to make the photographers happy
It’s a pity that during the restoration they didn’t put any cannons on the walls.
Next to the castle there is an archaeological museum, quite typical inside. But outside you can meet a man-eating dolphin
And the much more serious King Manuel I. This monarch ruled during the era of great discoveries and received Vasco da Gama, mentioned in connection with the bridge, after he opened the sea route to India
Note that this monarch in 1496 issued a decree expelling Jews from the country. It is difficult to call this decision original, however.
Shady courtyard near the museum
The circle ended, we returned to the observation terrace. The monument in the center was erected in honor of the same Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal
He paved the way for Portuguese independence with fire and sword.
Since we started with a view of the castle from the side, we will finish with a different view, especially since it turned out better from this point
Another Portuguese walk has come to an end. The Castle of St. George itself is not as interesting as other fortresses, but for the wonderful views it is definitely worth a visit. Well, those who are not indifferent to history will be able to replenish their knowledge at the same time. Next time we will walk through the oldest streets of Lisbon (there will be a lot of interesting things there!), but first we will return to Sintra for a short time to run along the walls of another old fortress.
The Castle of St. George or Castelo de São Jorge is a kind of historical pinnacle of the city, because... From the walls of the castle you can see almost the whole of Lisbon. We decided to visit this attraction and, in principle, did not regret it.
In the previous post, when I told, a map of our walks was added just to St. George’s Castle, so in this article I will not insert a “how to get there” map.
There is an entrance fee to the castle. Adult ticket costs 7 euros. Students under 25 years old - 4 euros. The idea of cheating a little crept in, and then it even became slightly uncomfortable. We are no longer students (I haven’t been a student for 7 years now :-)), but we thought, why not try. There was a hint about tickets for students. We thought that Vika could easily be mistaken for a student, because... At that time, she had only graduated from university a year ago. We were asked to show the student one. Naturally, we don’t have it, well, we hesitated, said that we had forgotten and, in principle, were ready to pay the full price of the ticket, as they say, no, no. But the boy who sold the tickets turned out to be very friendly and let us in two tickets for 4 euros. 🙂
On the one hand, I was glad that at the age of 28 I was mistaken for a student, but on the other hand, I felt a little uncomfortable that the situation played out like this. Well, okay...”let’s consider these 7 euros a gift to us from Lisbon, he won’t be poorer because of this,” I thought, and we set off to conquer the castle of St. George.
courtyard near St. George's Castle
The castle itself is a brutal fortress, of which only the walls and some internal buildings are well preserved. The castle walls offer stunning views of Lisbon. This fortress alone is worth visiting.
View of Lisbon from the castle walls
There are very few tourists on the castle grounds, you can calmly walk... take pictures...
Sunny Lisbon
You go for a walk, and then suddenly, peacocks and peacocks are strutting around :)
In general, the castle grounds are full of benches where you can sit in the shade... take a break... enjoy the singing of birds. But I had no time for singing then...
Imperial Lisbon
I’ll go into a little more detail on this shot. Probably many people often have problems when they need to shoot against the sun, as you can see, there was no other way to take a picture here, but in the end I think it turned out to be a pretty good shot. To avoid strong blooming, I recommend firstly using a wide-angle lens (18 mm or smaller) and setting the aperture to the maximum value (F20-22). Then the sun will turn from blurry into this radiant one and the frame itself will be overexposed, but still not so much. 🙂
In addition to the walls themselves, part of the interior of the fortress has also been preserved...
castle courtyard interior
In my opinion, the castle of St. George is somewhat reminiscent of the Tsarevets fortress in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Anyone who has been will understand...
Castle labyrinths :)
It’s great that the observation deck at St. George’s Castle is, if not 360 degrees, then 270, that’s for sure! In the opposite direction, from the walls of the castle there is an equally beautiful view of the monastery of San Vicente de Fora (Paróquia de São Vicente de Fora).
view of the monastery of San Vicente de Fora from the castle walls
In short, you understand... I was stuck here... 🙂 the camera shutter only had time to fire after I pressed the start button, some paparazzi did not waste their time...
Near the exit from St. George's Castle
In general, we probably shot more than 100 frames between the two of us...if it were up to me, I would post everything :) but it’s better that you come to Lisbon yourself and walk through the Castle of St. George to feel the majestic and beautiful Lisbon under your feet!
The article turned out to be more of a mini photo review, but I hope from it you can get an idea about the castle of St. George. I myself would recommend this attraction for visiting. We really enjoyed climbing the castle walls, and the views from them, I think, will not leave anyone indifferent!
