Fortress of St. George

The Castle of St. George, located in the historic center of the city, on a hill, is the main castle of Lisbon. Locals most often call this castle the "Cradle of the city", because it is believed that this place began the countdown of the history of the capital of Portugal.

It is believed that the settlement of this site began long before the appearance of the Romans. At the very top of the hill stood a fortress that protected the Tagus River and the surrounding area. In the period from the 5th century BC and up to the beginning of the 8th century, the fortress belonged to the West Goths, but then it was captured by the Saracens. Part of the surviving walls were built during the rule of the Moors, which lasted until 1147. After the expulsion of the Moors, Afonso Henriques founded his kingdom. Three hundred years later, this castle hosted magnificent celebrations for the return of Vasco da Gama from India. After the relocation of the residence of the kings, the castle of St. George served as a theater, prison and arsenal. Like many historic buildings, it was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake.

Now the castle hosts a beautiful multimedia exhibition about the largest events in the history of Lisbon.