One of Lisbon's main attractions is perched on a hill overlooking the city and the Tagus River.

The original defensive Moorish citadel and St George's Fortress was converted into the residence of the Portuguese kings after 1147. Despite its age, the castle is extremely well preserved and also open to the public.

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The castle served the royal power almost continuously until the 17th century. It was severely damaged by a major earthquake in 1755 and was only saved to its original form by a complete reconstruction in 1938.

Museum, sights and Camera Obscura

Practically the entire area of St. George's Castle is open to the public.

The interiors of the fortress are occupied by a museum of archaeological collections found during the reconstruction of the castle and other monuments in Lisbon.

The complete walls and all the courtyards of the castle are also accessible. The walls in particular offer the most beautiful views of the whole of Lisbon and the River Tagus.

A popular attraction in the bowels of the castle is the Camera Obscura. A set of mirrors, lenses and periscopes project live action from several locations in central Lisbon onto a round screen.

Admission and opening hours

The castle is open every day of the year and opening hours vary in summer and winter. The last entry is always 30 minutes before closing time.

March to October: 9:00-21:00
November to February: 9:00-17:00

The Camera Obscura room has different opening hours as this attraction is only usable during daylight hours:

April to September: 10:00-17:00
October to March: 10:00-14:00

Ticket prices

Admission includes access to the entire grounds of St. George's Castle, including the Camera Obscura room.

Adults - 15 eur
Youth 13 to 25 years - 7,50 eur
Seniors 65+ - 12,50 eur
Children under 12 - Free

Official castle website: castelodesaojorge.pt/en

How to get to the castle?

Castelo de São Jorge stands at the highest point of the historic centre in the Alfama district.

Metro - Rossio station (green metro line) and about 11 minutes walk up the steep hill
Bus - Castelo stop and 3 minutes walk (line 737)
Tram - Largo das Portas Sol stop and 5 minutes walk (lines 12E, 28E)