Saojorge Castle Tickets

São Jorge Castle history: timeline, key events, evolution

​São Jorge Castle is a medieval castle dating back to the 9th century. Perched atop the highest hill overlooking the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, the historic castle houses a museum and the remains of a royal palace. The castle is a National Monument and is a treat for history and archaeology buffs.

São Jorge Castle timeline

  • 10th century: Islamic ruler Hisham II ordered large-scale construction on the site.
  • 1147: Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, captured Lisbon from the Moors.
  • 1580: The castle was converted into a military base. Later, it was transformed into a prison and hospital.
  • 1755: A severe earthquake hit the castle and the palace.
  • 1910: São Jorge Castle was declared a National Monument by an official decree.

History of São Jorge Castle explained

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Iron Age population

The hill in Santa Maria Maior where Sao Jorge Castle is located has been a place of interest for various civilizations since the Iron Age. Some archaeological studies suggest that the area was first occupied by Celts. It was also home to Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. A strategic location, close to the port, Lisbon was crucial to the Roman Empire. In 48 BC, the Romans created the first fortification on the hilltop. The construction of large buildings and the wall commenced only during the time of the Moors, in the 9th and 10th centuries. Interestingly, there is no consensus among historians as to whether the Moors built the castle that stands today.

Moors

The earliest trace of Islamic settlement on the hill dates back to the 8th century in the Umayyad caliphate period. Some inscriptions show that it was the Islamic ruler Hisam II who ordered the construction of the walls and buildings. The construction was supervised by the statesman Almanzor. The archaeological evidence pointing to the fortification dates back to 985. It describes Lisbon as a Madina, the traditional walled city in the Islamic world. Historians believe the reference shows that Lisbon was a walled city during the period of the Moors, and construction was prevalent.

The Reconquest

The political tug of war between invading Moors and Christian rulers intensified in the 12th century. In 1147, Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, reclaimed the city of Lisbon in the crusade. The military campaign known as the reconquest effectively ended the rule of Moors in Europe. As a result, Sao Jorge Castle became one of the prized possessions of the campaign. After the reconquest, the castle underwent several modifications. Historians are not sure about the changes made to the castle immediately after the crusade, but inscriptions refer to the castle during the time of King D. Afonso III and his son, D. Dinis. In the 13th century, the castle also served as a residential area, and later in the 14th century, as a hospital.

Construction of São Jorge Castle

The only piece of authoritative evidence suggesting construction atop the hill is an inscription dated to 985. It was during the reign of the Moors, in the Umayyad caliphate. The information describes Lisbon as Madina, meaning it was a walled city. It also mentions that the wall is damaged and needs repair. Despite it being widely accepted that a fortified citadel existed within the walls, historians are silent on whether it was Sao Jorge Castle. The primary reason for this is that Sao Jorge Castle is a Gothic castle with a distinctive quadrangular layout and towers. It was heavily modified after the Christian reconquest of Lisbon, and at least eight Christian rulers oversaw extensive modifications to the fort. A massive earthquake in 1755 also affected the castle and its buildings, altering some of its characteristics.

​São Jorge Castle Facts

São Jorge Castle today

Today, São Jorge Castle stands as a proud symbol of Portugal's eventful history. The imposing castle, overlooking Lisbon, is a treat for enthusiasts of archaeology and history. It houses several attractions, with the museum being the most important among them all. It exhibits invaluable historical treasures. The partially ruined Royal Palace is also a must-visit. The architecture of the rooms is marvelous. There are two public squares giving unmatched views of the city of Lisbon and the river Tagus. Scattered around the fort are fourteen pieces of original artillery. There are statues of rulers and extensively landscaped gardens in which the majestic Indian peacocks stroll.

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Frequently asked questions about São Jorge Castle

Sao Jorge Castle Castle is synonymous with history. It was constructed during the 9th and 10th centuries. First occupied by the Moors and later by Christians through a historic battle, Sao Jorge Castle tells the story of medieval Europe's eventful past.