St. George Castle
Visit Lisbon’s historic castle for magnificent views of the city. St George Castle tickets offer hassle-free entrance and a fully downloadable audio guide or a guided tour to help take you through the history of the magnificent castle.Bestseller
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Pro tips to help you make a pick
A typical visit to Castelo de São Jorge lasts 60-90min offering various sights such as viewpoints, battlements, a camera obscura, a museum, and hidden paths. For those hesitant about the ticket price or queues, the Arco do Castelo, the statue of Saint George, and the Santa Cruz do Castelo church can be explored for free outside the castle.
To avoid crowds at Castelo de São Jorge during peak hours (10am-12noon, 2pm-3pm), it's advisable to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon. The castle, surprisingly large once inside, extends its opening hours during the summer (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mar-Oct, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov-Feb), with the last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
Visitor facilities at the castle include a café, kiosks for purchasing water, drinks, or ice creams. The Casa do Leão restaurant within the castle has mixed reviews, and for optimal service, it's recommended to avoid peak hours.
The castle provides informative free tours, and if your visit coincides with one of these, joining is highly recommended. Despite attempts at disability access with ramps and stairlifts, the steep climb from the city center along cobbled streets can pose challenges. The castle's toilets are deemed acceptable, and baby facilities are available.
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About Castelo de S. Jorge
Sitting snugly atop Lisbon's highest hill, the Castelo de São Jorge is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic landmarks. The site's fortifications date back to the 2nd century BC, and archaeological findings reveal traces of Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Muslims, showcasing continuous human occupation since ancient times.
The Castle Hill, occupied since the 8 BC, has a rich history with Celtic tribes, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors contributing to its fortifications.
King Alfonso Henriquez, aided by crusaders, captured the Castle from the Moors, using it as a royal residence until the 1755 earthquake.
The Castle served as a fortified residence for Alfonso III in 1255, underwent renovations by King Denis I, and had a protective wall built by King Ferdinand I.
Destroyed twice by earthquakes in 1531 and 1755, the Castle's current form reflects reconstructions over time, including royal apartments commissioned by King Sebastian.
Named after the patron saint of England, Saint George Castle's christening followed English crusaders' aid to King Alfonso, and it's associated with the legend of Saint George saving a virgin from a dragon.
Why visit Castelo de S. Jorge?
Highlights
Plan your visit
West Gatehouse
This is the main entrance to the castle and is located on the west side of the walls. It is the most impressive of the three entrances, with a large archway and two towers.
South Vaulted Passage
This entrance is located on the south side of the walls and is smaller than the West Gatehouse. It is a covered passageway that leads to the castle courtyard.
North Gatehouse
This entrance is located on the north side of the walls and is the smallest of the three entrances. It is a simple gatehouse with no towers.
Pick up a souvenir from your visit, like postcards, books, or traditional Portuguese handicrafts.
Public restrooms are available within the castle grounds.
Stay connected and share your castle experience with the world through free Wi-Fi available throughout the grounds.
Guide dogs are welcome at the castle, providing assistance for visually impaired visitors.
Inside the museum, a lifting platform provides access to one of the exhibition rooms.
The main ticket office has a ramp for easy access, bypassing the steps leading up to the entrance.
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St. George Castle Guide
St. George Castle Guide
St. George Castle Ticket and Tour Options Explained
St. George Castle Ticket and Tour Options Explained
Skip-the-line tickets
Guided tour
Combo Tickets
Why go for these tickets?
- Effortless Access: Say goodbye to waiting in long lines. With skip-the-line tickets, you can breeze right into St. George's Castle, making the most of your time in this historic wonder.
- Explore the Forte do Bom Sucesso: Venture into the star-shaped Forte do Bom Sucesso, an integral part of the castle's complex. Discover its role in defense and exploration.
- Flexible Learning: Listen to the audio guide content as many times as you like, both before and after your visit, ensuring a deep and enriching experience.
Recommended Experiences
Why go for these tickets?
- Your expert guide is your key to unlocking the castle's rich history, bringing it to life with fascinating stories and details.
- Choose your preferred language for the tour, ensuring you have a personalized and engaging experience.
Recommended Experiences
Why go for these tickets?
- With these combo tickets, you not only save money but also time. It's the easiest way to access multiple attractions in one go.
- Skip the lines and head straight to the heart of Lisbon's treasures, making the most of your visit.
Recommended Experiences
Combo (Save 10%): National Pantheon + St. George’s Castle Tickets
Combo (Save 10%): Rua Augusta Arch + St. George’s Castle Tickets
Combo (Save 10%): St. George's Castle Tickets + Lisbon Card
Combo (Save 5%): St. George’s Castle + Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Timings
Getting to St. George's Castle
What are the opening hours of St. George's Castle?
1st March to 31st October: 9 AM to 9 PM
1st November to 28/29th February: 9 AM to 7 PM