The Castelo de São Jorge is perched at the highest hill in Lisbon. The oldest remains found at the castle date from the 6th Century BC and evidence has been found from the Phoencian, Roman and Moslem periods of Lisbon's history.
The current form of the castle, however, dates from the 11th Century - when Lisbon was an important Moslem port.
Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, reconquered both the city and castle in 1147.
The castle's heyday lasted from the 13th Century until the 16th century and was the place at which Vasco da Gama was welcomed back to Portugal by King Manuel I after finding the first navigable sea-route to India.
Castelo de São Jorge was also the place where Auto do Vaqueiro by Gil Vincente was performed. The performance was given on the occasion of the birth of the future King João III.
The move of the royal residence and court to downtown Lisbon as well as the earthquaks of 1531 and 1755 served to alter the castle further.
In 1910, the Castelo de São Jorge was declared a national monument and an extensive programe of restoration commenced allowing us to visit this glorious castle and enjoy the views it gives.
