Castelo de Sao Jorge
Fortress of Lisbon’s Historic Past
Lovely Lisbon Series 12
From the Alfama’s Elevador de Sta Luzia, .we hiked
uphill on our way to the Castelo de Sao Jorge.
Fortress of Lisbon’s Historic Past
Lovely Lisbon Series 12
From the Alfama’s Elevador de Sta Luzia, .we hiked
uphill on our way to the Castelo de Sao Jorge.
The walk to the castle can be draining,
…as the well preserved narrow cobbled road
was steep and sometimes quite slippery,
...but we had a slow but leisurely
stroll in an ancient
neighborhood,
….with ancient walls and arches,
...lovely centuries old buildings,
...of quaint Moorish architecture.
The ticket booth wasn’t crowded,
…so we were able to get into
the castle grounds fast and easy.
The majestic Castelo de Sao Jorge was built atop the hill overlooking
central Lisbon, and the seat of power of ancient Portugal in the past.
central Lisbon, and the seat of power of ancient Portugal in the past.
It reminded me of the Prague Castle
in
the Czech
Republic which was also
built
at the top, of the hill overlooking the city.
^^^Prague Castle
in the Czech
Republic
Also known as Lisbon Castle, much
of the present structures are in ruins,
…but a continues restoration is being undertaken.
.
It is Lisbon’s most popular
tourist attraction.
…and provides
fantastic
views of the Baixa district ,
…and the Rio Tejo or Tagus River.
Castelo de Sao Jorge have
two sections,
the ruins of the 13th century Royal Palace,
…and the older
Moorish Castle
built before the 11th century.
Some parts of the ruins of the former
Royal Palace of the
Alcáçova has been
restored and converted to a museum,
…called Nucleo
Museologico.
The museum hosts a permanent exhibition,
…of wide array of historical artifacts.
The Royal Palace
houses a Café.
...the Casa do Leão Restaurant, where the lovely
al fresco section offers a magnificent view of the city.
…and a souvenir shop.
The massive 11th century
Moorish Castle is a
fortification built at the topmost part of the hill.
Unlike most European castles it was not meant
Unlike most European castles it was not meant
as a residence, but
to house the military troops.
The castled eleven towers has been preserved
or restored, the most popular among them was
the Torre de Menagem or the Tower of the Keep.
Some parts of the Romantic
Garden,
…and patios, are still around and were
a part of the royal residence.
The royal palace suffered heavy damage in the
earthquake of 1755, and what remains today
is a storied ruins of Lisbon’s glorious past.
earthquake of 1755, and what remains today
is a storied ruins of Lisbon’s glorious past.
Castelo de Sao Jorge is
the
fortress to Lisbon’s
history,
…it is Portugal’s top tourist attraction,
and not to be missed by anyone
visiting this beautiful country.
Read my other blogs on
Lovely Lisbon Series
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