Saint George Castle Lisbon
Introduction
The Saint George Castle in Lisbon is locally known as Castelo de Sao Jorge and it is situated at Rua do Chao da Feira. Largo do Chao da Feira is a door in the walls of the castle on street with the same name. The door which stands today is from 1846 and it is the first point of entry into the castle. The castle itself sits on a hill, overlooking the city of Lisbon. On one of the wall, there is a statue of Saint George. He was a Roman soldier, was killed for his belief in Christianity in the 3rd century.
History
In the mid 11th century, the Muslims built the fortifications of this castle, a Muslim governor lived nearby in a palace. Dom Afonso Henriques conquered Lisbon on October 25th, 1147 as part of the Second Crusade. Alfonso’s mercenary army consisted of drunks and thieves and after the victory they ransacked the city. After the victory of Afonso Henriques, it was feared that the Muslim army will attack them again so the defense of the castle was strengthened. The reconstructed castle and its battlements are based on the 11th century Muslim design.
Later, other kings also increased the strength of the defensive system of the castle.
Panoramic Views from the Castle
Trough the centuries, the castle had played an important role in the history of the city. As late as the 19th century, military installations covered the entire monument to protect the city. After a restoration work carried out from 1938 to 1940, this castle was opened for public use. The Sao Jorge Castle is known for having amazing views of Lisbon. From the battlements, one can see the River Tejo, the Ponte 25 de Abril, Santa Justa Lift, Carmo Convent, towers of Praca do Comercio and the Lisbon Cathedral to name few. Among other tourists, groups of school children roaming around is one of the common sights in the castle.
Beside the restaurant, there is an opening which brings visitors to the other side of the castle. A fountain beside the walkway which connects the museum and cafe area with the ramparts. A statue of a naked woman on the grounds but there was no name written beside the statue, does it refer to anyone or just a random statue, hard to tell.
Inner Section of the Castle
Casa do Leao (House of the Lion) is the name of the restaurant inside the castle. It is said that a lion used to be kept in this building, hence the name of the restaurants suggests. The tower of Ulysses sits to the left at the entrance of the castle’s inner defensive wall. A barbican was also used to protect the castle. The Barbican Gate has a drawbridge which can be pulled in (not functional anymore). Interior of the castle has very little to show but apart from its towers and two small courtyards.
There was grass growing in one of the open areas. There is also a cistern and a treason gate between the Palace Tower and ramparts.
Inner area of the castle has remains from the Iron Age (7th – 3rd century BC). Some of the remains come from the Islamic era, 11th-12th century.
