Visiting São Jorge Castle with Kids: Lisbon's Must-See Medieval Fortress
- Chris
- Mar 27, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Perched atop Lisbon's highest hill, São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) commands breathtaking views over Portugal's capital city and the shimmering Tagus River below. This ancient fortress has witnessed over 2,000 years of history—from Iron Age settlements to Roman fortifications, Moorish rule to Portuguese royalty.
Today, São Jorge Castle stands as one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks, visible from nearly every corner of the city. Whether you're exploring with curious kids or diving deep into Portuguese history, this medieval castle offers something magical for every visitor.
History of São Jorge Castle
Ancient Beginnings (8th Century BC - 11th Century AD)
Human settlement on this strategic hilltop dates back to at least the 8th century BC, when Iron Age tribes recognized its defensive advantages. The Romans built the first proper fortifications here in the 2nd century BC, followed by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Archaeological excavations have uncovered traces of Phoenician, Greek, and Carthaginian presence, revealing just how coveted this location was throughout history.
The Moorish Era (11th Century - 1147)
The castle as we know it today was constructed by the Moors in the 11th century during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally called the Alcáçova, it served as both a military fortress defending Lisbon and the heart of the city's political power. The Moorish influence is still visible in the castle's architectural elements, including certain walls, gates, and the overall defensive layout.
The Christian Reconquest (1147)
On October 25, 1147, King Afonso Henriques—Portugal's first king—captured the castle from the Moors during the legendary Siege of Lisbon. With help from English, German, and Flemish crusaders en route to the Holy Land, the Christians took control after a brutal four-month siege. This victory marked a pivotal moment in Portuguese independence and the Reconquista.
A legendary story from this siege tells of Martim Moniz, a Portuguese knight who sacrificed himself by holding open one of the castle gates with his own body, allowing Christian forces to storm inside. The Gates of Martim Moniz in Lisbon are named in his honor.
Royal Palace Era (13th - 16th Century)
After the conquest, São Jorge Castle became the official residence of Portuguese kings and queens. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the castle experienced its golden age. Gothic and Manueline architectural elements were added during various renovations, transforming the military fortress into an elegant royal palace.
It was within these walls that King Manuel I received explorer Vasco da Gama in 1499 after his historic voyage to India. The castle also hosted the first Portuguese theater performance, written by Gil Vicente to celebrate a royal birth.
Decline and Transformation (16th - 20th Century)
During the 16th century Spanish occupation of Portugal, the castle served primarily as a military stronghold. Over time, it housed various functions—including a prison, military barracks, and hospital. The devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon also severely damaged the castle and royal palace, accelerating its decline.
By the early 20th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair. Major restoration work began in the 1940s and continued through the century, carefully preserving the castle's medieval character while making it accessible to the public. In 1910, it was declared a National Monument.
What to See at São Jorge Castle
The Castle Walls and Towers
The castle features 11 towers connected by imposing defensive walls. You can walk along the battlements and climb the towers for spectacular 360-degree views of Lisbon. The highest point offers one of the best panoramas in the entire city—perfect for photos of the terracotta rooftops, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the distance.
Torre de Ulisses (Tower of Ulysses)
This tower houses a fascinating camera obscura—a giant periscope installed in 1998 that projects real-time views of Lisbon onto a white surface. It's like seeing the city through a magical lens, and kids absolutely love this interactive experience. The tower is named after Ulysses, Lisbon's legendary founder according to Greek mythology.
The Archaeological Site
Recent excavations have uncovered layers of history dating back to the 7th century BC. You can view ruins from the Iron Age, Roman period, and Moorish occupation all in one place. It's a tangible timeline of Lisbon's evolution through the centuries.
The Royal Palace Ruins
While much of the royal palace was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, you can still explore the Casa Ogival and other remnants. These spaces now host the Olisipónia exhibition—a multimedia presentation telling Lisbon's story through the ages.
The Courtyards and Gardens
The castle complex includes beautiful gardens with native plants, old olive trees, and peacocks roaming freely. The main square (Praça d'Armas) features a bronze statue of King Afonso Henriques, the warrior king who conquered the castle from the Moors, and several historic cannons.
Panoramic Terraces
Multiple viewing platforms throughout the castle offer different perspectives of Lisbon. Sunset is particularly magical here, as the city's lights begin to twinkle and the sky turns golden over the Tagus River.
Visiting São Jorge Castle with Kids
São Jorge Castle is wonderfully family-friendly. Here's how to make the most of your visit:
What Kids Will Love:
The peacocks: These majestic birds roam freely throughout the castle grounds and are always a hit with children
Tower climbing: Kids love scrambling up the narrow staircases to the top of the towers
The camera obscura: This magical periscope showing real-time Lisbon is endlessly fascinating
Playing knight: The battlements and cannons spark imaginative medieval play
Treasure hunting: Give kids a mission to find the different towers, gates, or archaeological remains
Practical Tips:
Arrive early or late: Visit at opening time (9am) or after 4pm to avoid the midday crowds and heat
Bring water: There's lots of climbing and walking, and it can get hot
Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestones and stairs require good footwear
Allow 2-3 hours: Don't rush—there's a lot to explore
Pack snacks: There's a small café, but it's pricey; a picnic in the gardens is lovely
Practical Information
Location: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Hours:
March - October: 9am - 9pm
November - February: 9am - 6pm
Closed: January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Tickets:
Adults: €15
Seniors (65+): €12.50
Youth (13-25): €7.50
Children (0-12): Free
Getting There:
Tram 28E: The famous yellow tram stops near the castle
Bus 737: The "Castelo" bus goes directly to the entrance
Walking: It's a steep 15-minute climb from downtown Alfama
Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for fewer crowds and softer light
Late afternoon/sunset for stunning golden-hour views
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Why Visit São Jorge Castle?
São Jorge Castle isn't just another tourist attraction—it's where Lisbon's story begins. Standing on these ancient walls, you're literally at the birthplace of Portugal's capital city. The castle witnessed the founding of a nation, the Age of Discovery, devastating earthquakes, and Portugal's modern renaissance.
For families, it offers the perfect blend of history, adventure, and spectacular views. Kids can run along medieval ramparts, while adults soak in centuries of stories and breathtaking panoramas. And unlike many European castles that are roped off and sterile, São Jorge remains vibrant and accessible—a living monument where history and daily life intertwine.
The castle is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Alfama neighborhood below, with its narrow winding streets, traditional fado music houses, and authentic Portuguese charm.
Explore More Portuguese History
If you're fascinated by Portugal's rich heritage, don't miss:
Belém Tower - A 16th-century fortification on the Tagus River
Jerónimos Monastery - Stunning Manueline architecture and Vasco da Gama's tomb
Pena Palace in Sintra - A fairytale Romanticist castle on a mountaintop
For more European castle adventures, explore our guide to Exploring the Roman Empire to discover ancient fortifications and ruins across the continent.
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