Castelo de São Jorge

About the museum

São Jorge Castle, formerly the Paço da Alcáçova, stands on the highest hill of Lisbon's historic centre and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910. The first walls date from the 2nd century BC, and the site was occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims. The present name derives from the devotion to St George, patron saint of knights and of the crusades, which D. João I had promoted in the 14th century.

Over the centuries the castle was rebuilt and remodelled, and in the first half of the 20th century it was in an advanced state of ruin. In the forties major reconstruction work was carried out, raising walls and towers; for this reason the medieval character of the complex is largely due to that campaign.

The archaeological remains inside the walls document three periods: the first dwelling structures from the 7th century BC, the Islamic houses and streets of the mid-11th century, and the remains of the last palace, that of the Counts of Santiago, destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The museum nucleus brings together objects found in the area of the alcáçova, and the Camera Obscura, installed in the Torre de Ulisses, allows the city to be viewed through a periscope. The castle is managed by EGEAC.

Highlights

• Walls, towers and walkways with views over Lisbon and the Tagus
• Archaeological site with an Islamic house and remains of the Palace of the Counts of Santiago
• Museum nucleus with objects from the 7th century BC to the 18th century
• Camera Obscura/periscope in the Torre de Ulisses
• Guided tour “À Descoberta do Castelo” included in the ticket

Permanent exhibitions

• Núcleo Museológico – Objects found in the alcáçova area that show the cultures and everyday life of Lisbon from the 7th century BC to the 18th century, with emphasis on the Islamic period of the 11th and 12th centuries.
• Núcleo Arqueológico – Dwelling remains from the 7th century BC, Islamic houses and streets from the 11th century and the remains of the Palace of the Counts of Santiago; visible only on the general guided tour.

Operated by

EGEAC – Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa)

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free with the Lisboa Card (adult), for members of APAC, APOM, ICOM and ICOMOS, veterans and professionals on duty, with prior booking. The ticket includes the guided tours “À Descoberta do Castelo” (about 1 hour) and of the Camera Obscura (about 20 minutes). Discounted tickets require proof on arrival.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Ticket office with ramp and priority service; accessible route with a levelled surface from the entrance to the eastern viewpoint. The museum nucleus has an access ramp and a platform lift to one of the rooms. Four wheelchairs and a Swiss-Trac are available; access by private vehicle is possible with prior contact. The toilets (except the museum's) have baby-changing facilities, and the one in the Jardim do Buxo is prepared for wheelchairs. Inclusive visits are available, by prior booking.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Family activities on the last Sunday of each month, from May to October, included in the ticket (limited places).

Getting there & parking

Visitors with reduced mobility can access the site by private vehicle with prior contact with the castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Castle shop, with accessible counter.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit