São Jorge Castle Guided Tour

Feel the excitement of the São Jorge Castle with a guided tour that takes you through its fascinating history, stunning views, and hidden secrets.

Getting started

Arrive at São Jorge Castle with your ticket ready for a smooth entry. Expect a security check at the entrance, so make sure you have a valid ID with you.

What to expect

• São Jorge Castle: Explore one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, known for its medieval structure, panoramic views, and rich history.
• Guided tour: Enjoy an expert-led experience, offering insights into the castle’s history, architecture, and strategic importance.
• Breathtaking views: Climb the Ulysses Tower for panoramic vistas of Lisbon, including the Tagus River, Alfama, and Baixa.
• Moorish influence: Discover the castle’s blend of Moorish and Roman architectural features throughout the site.
• Meet the peacocks: Encounter the castle’s charming residents, including peacocks and geese, roaming freely around the grounds.

Wrapping up

Once your tour concludes, take some time to explore the castle grounds at your own pace. Enjoy the serene environment, grab a souvenir, or simply savor the stunning views before you head out.

São Jorge Castle Guided Tour

Dive into Lisbon's storied past as you traverse through São Jorge Castle’s labyrinthine corridors, uncovering layers of history from its Moorish origins to its tenure as a royal palace and military stronghold. This guided journey is crafted for explorers of ancient fortresses, devotees of medieval architecture, and seekers of panoramic vistas that stretch across Lisbon's skyline like an artist's canvas. With the Ulysses Tower providing breathtaking 360-degree views over the Tagus River and the city’s old districts, this tour weaves history and heritage, offering memorable encounters to forge lasting connections while understanding that each stone tells a tale of resilience and transformation.

Visit São Jorge Castle's Moorish Origins

Visit São Jorge Castle during the tour's highlight segment where you delve into its rich past, starting with the castle’s origins as a fortified stronghold under Moorish rule. Explore remnants from this period that include intricate arches and defensive walls still standing today, whispering tales of conquest and resistance through their silent stones. The castle’s Permanent Exhibits offer a comprehensive view of these early years, revealing how the Moors shaped Lisbon's urban fabric and fortified its defenses against invaders. Marvel at the craftsmanship and strategic planning evident in each tower and archway, understanding that this site was not just a military base but also a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

Experience São Jorge Castle's Ulysses Tower

Access São Jorge Castle’s Ulysses Tower included in the tour package enabling you to climb its heights and be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views stretching over Lisbon’s skyline, the Tagus River, and beyond. The tower stands as a testament to the castle’s enduring significance, offering visitors an opportunity to see the city from a unique vantage point that captures both the historic charm of Alfama and the modern skyline of Baixa. This climb is not just about reaching the top but also about appreciating the architectural prowess and historical importance of each step taken along the way.

Discover São Jorge Castle's Roman Remains

Explore São Jorge Castle representing the tour’s centerpiece where you will uncover remnants from earlier civilizations, including the Romans. These ancient stones tell stories of empires long gone but whose influence continues to shape Lisbon today. Discover towers and walls that date back centuries, each holding secrets about the city's transformation from a Roman settlement into an Islamic stronghold and finally a Christian kingdom. The castle’s Permanent Exhibits showcase artifacts and architectural elements that highlight the continuity and change in Portugal’s history, making every visit a journey through time.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Moorish origins with ancient walls and arches
• Climb Ulysses Tower for panoramic views of Lisbon
• Explore Roman remains including towers and artifacts
• Narrate centuries of history in Permanent Exhibits
• Personalized guide fluent in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese
• Dive into medieval architecture and military strategy

Embark on a journey that unravels the mysteries of São Jorge Castle for explorers of ancient fortresses, enthusiasts of historical narratives, and seekers of panoramic vistas. This guided tour weaves history and heritage, offering glimpses into Lisbon’s past that feel as if you're stepping back in time, like walking through the pages of an open book where each page reveals a new chapter of the city's rich tapestry.