São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle or the Castle of Saint George, locally known as Castelo de São Jorge, lies in the city of Lisbon in the Grande Lisboa region in Portugal.

When exactly São Jorge Castle was built is uncertain. The city was probably already equipped with walls during Roman times, when it was known as Olisipo. Later, in the 8th century, it fell under Muslim rule. They also fortified the city, but it is uncertain if they also built a fortification on the highest hill within the city walls.

Muslim Lisbon was conquered, in the course of the Reconquista, in 1147 after a 3-month siege by the Portuguese forces of Afonso I of Portugal. They were assisted by crusaders from north-west Europe, who were on their way by boat to the Holy Land for the Second Crusade.

It is only from the mid-13th century that sources start to mention a castle at this location. The city had become the Portuguese capital in 1255 and therefore its defenses were greatly improved during the reigns of the kings Afonso III and Denis I of Portugal. São Jorge Castle became a formidable stronghold, fortified by 11 towers, and was an integral part of the city walls. It had an inner castle with 2 parade grounds, a barbican and a dry moat and an outer castle comprising a royal palace, a bishop's palace and a chapel.

During the next centuries, the castle suffered damage from earthquakes in 1290, 1344, 1356, 1531, 1551, 1597, 1699 and 1755.

With the union of the Spanish and Portuguese crowns in 1580 the castle changed roles; the royal residence moved out of the castle, and it became a military barracks with a hospital and prison. It would keep this military role until the 1930s/1940s.

During the 1990s, the castle was thoroughly restored back to its medieval appearance.

São Jorge Castle can be visited for a fee. As Lisbon is a tourist hotspot, the castle can sometimes be rather crowded with tourists. Although the interior of the castle is rather empty, I still recommend a visit, as it is a mighty castle offering beautiful vistas over the city too.

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