São Jorge Castle

The history of São Jorge Castle begins long before the first stone of the current fortification was laid. Archaeological evidence suggests that the hilltop has been inhabited since at least the 8th century BC, serving as a strategic lookout for various civilizations including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Visigoths. However, it was the Moors who, in the mid-11th century, constructed the robust citadel we recognize today to serve as a defensive stronghold for the city's elite. In 1147, during the Siege of Lisbon, King Afonso Henriques led a successful assault on the castle with the assistance of Northern European Crusaders. Following this Christian conquest, the castle was transformed into the Royal Palace of the Alcáçova. For several centuries, it served as the seat of the Portuguese monarchy, hosting royal banquets and welcoming foreign dignitaries until the construction of the Ribeira Palace on the waterfront in the 16th century. The castle's prominence waned following the 1755 Great Earthquake, which caused significant structural damage. For many years, the site was repurposed for military barracks and even a prison, losing much of its medieval character. A major restoration project in the late 1930s and early 1940s finally revitalized the monument, clearing away modern additions to expose the original ramparts and gardens, ensuring its status as a premier historical site for future generations.