St. George's Castle in Lisbon: An Object of Lisbon Cultural Heritage and Notable Attraction

The Castle of St. George is the heart of the Portuguese capital, the history of which began at the turn of two eras. In 1147, it was liberated by the Crusaders from the Moors. Afonso Henriques, the commander of the Crusaders, became the first ruler of the country. Then, until the 16th century, the castle was the official royal residence.

Outstanding architecture and history made the castle one of the symbols of the country, a great introduction to medieval history for tourists. The complex is memorable for its calm atmosphere and solemnity, perfect for the Lisbon city walking tour. It mesmerizes with gorgeous panoramic views of Lisbon with red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River. As for the collection of cannons and an archaeological museum, it's more than impressive.

From the top of the hill, there are open views of the ancient part of the city and houses with tiled roofs. The monument to the first king Afonso, who holds a shield and sword in his hands, is also located here. The castle went through numerous buildings and changed many times, the last time it was restored in the 20th century.

The fortress is presented not just by one castle, but by an ancient town, a popular destination for day tours from Lisbon. Visitors can see preserved fragments of medieval battlements, walking through the inner parks of olive trees of this magnificent landmark of Portugal. When Vasco da Gama returned from sea voyages, the celebration was here, as well as various significant events for the kingdom. The towers are open for visitors, so everyone has the opportunity to climb and take a walk along the fortress walls. 

For a more interactive experience, it's recommended to pay attention to the numerous multimedia exhibitions, held here every day. The Castle of St. George in Lisbon suffered badly from an earthquake in the 16th and 18th centuries. However, the fortress walls have been restored and are in good condition. In the Tower of Odysseus, for example, you can see panoramas of Lisbon, and an archaeological museum is located in one of the old wings of the fortress. Projected images on the walls show the major city's historical events, such as a simulated earthquake, the return of Vasco da Gama, the fall of the Church of Carmo, and much more, from the era of the Inquisition to the period of the Salazar dictatorship.