Are you passing through Lisbon and want to visit the castle of Saint-Georges? So here's all the information to plan your visit at best!
Known for its breathtaking beaches and landscapes, Portugal is certainly a great destination for any traveler. And a stop in front of some of its historical monuments is practically required if you don't want to miss anything! In particular, the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, has one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Visit the Château Saint-Georges is a must in the Portuguese capital. The huge bastion of Lisbon extends through its walls from east to south, in the Alfama district .
It goes without saying that this architectural prowess is a must in Portugal. You want to visit the Château Saint-Georges, but are you looking for additional information about it? So your research has borne fruit! Here is our guide to visit the Château Saint-Georges, where you will find all the necessary information.
The Château Saint-Georges in a few words
The Castelo de São Jorge stands majesticly above Lisbon. This is one of the city’s most beautiful tourist attractions. Its very turbulent history is only more fascinating. Indeed, this castle witnessed the fall of the Roman Empire to the Wisigoths. Moreover, the latter reconstructed the fortress during the Vth century. Warm conflicts between Arabs and Christians have also played their part in the history of bastion.
In addition, he survived the wonderful Castillans seats during the 14th century. He also saw the birth of Portugal as a maritime nation. Finally, after the earthquake of 1755, the CChâteau Saint-Georges was completely restored in 1938. This varied and enlivened story is reflected everywhere. You can therefore enjoy it when you are visiting the Château Saint-Georges.
Our tips to visit the Château Saint-Georges
Would you like to visit the Château Saint-Georges and would like some useful tips before you get there? So we've prepared a small list with our best tips to plan your visit.
The best time to visit the Château Saint-Georges
Would you like to visit the Château Saint-Georges at your leisure? So it is advisable to go to the place early morning or late afternoon. Indeed, these are the moments where there are the least visitors. Therefore, you can enjoy the entire castle more easily.
The duration of a visit
The visit of Château Saint-Georges is organized freely. Therefore, no time limit is imposed on you. If in any case you wish to visit the Château Saint-Georges entirely, then count at least one to two hours . Thus, you can take unforgettable photos and enjoy all that the monument has to offer.
Restoration
Fortunately, Château Saint-Georges has a small restaurant on site, Café do Castelo. Therefore, be not afraid, you can easily rest and enjoy delicious dishes and drinks. Nevertheless, it is advisable to bring a bottle of water to stay properly hydrated during the visit.
Some additional practical information
- You can make photos and videos without any worries.
- ♪ dogs are accepted on the premises, provided they are kept on a leash. However, they cannot enter the following areas: permanent exposure, Obscura camera or archaeological site.
- Château Saint-Georges tried to improve its accessibility to people with reduced mobility with ramps and stairs. In addition, two lifts go to the top of the castle.
What to do during your visit to Saint-Georges Castle?
The Château Saint-Georges has more than one marvel to make you discover in its view and walls. In order to help you in your day of exploration of the Portuguese castle, here are his main visits and activities.
The archaeological site
Do you really want to immerse yourself in the origins of the castle? So the archaeological site is for you! This set of vestiges bears witness to three crucial periods that formed the history of Lisbon:
- The first known occupations that date back to the seventh before J-C.
- The remains of the building of the castle, in the middle of the 11th century.
- Damage caused by the earthquake of 1755.
Note that it is possible to have one guided tour from this site. However, admission to it is limited and in order of arrival. So think about visiting the Château Saint-Georges early enough to enjoy a place in the guided tour.
The Obscura camera
The Lisbon Castle is also famous for its black room, a pleasant attraction for the whole family. Indeed, the latter has an optical instrument formed of lenses and mirrors. This allows you to observe the city in real time. You can have fun with your children by exploring iconic monuments and neighbourhoods with a 360° view.
The giant ramparts and their stairs
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the splendid view of the city. It is possible to borrow the picturesque little streets of Lisbon and make your gradual ascent to the entrance of the castle. From there, stairs that ascend and descend along the walls that were used as a defence during the multiple conflicts.
How much does a ticket cost to Saint-Georges Castle?
Prices to visit Saint-Georges Castle vary by age , as for many monuments. Here are the different prices to buy tickets to visit Saint-Georges Castle:
- Adults: from 10€
- Students (between 13 and 25 years): from 5€
- Seniors (65 years and older) and persons with reduced mobility: from 8,50€
- Children (less than 12 years old): free
How to book an online ticket for Château Saint-Georges?
If you have the soul of the planner, know that it is possible to book online:
- On the official website of the Château Saint-Georges
- Some websites offering group trips also allow to buy a ticket
Whether for the entrance or a guided tour, you can organize in advance to visit the Saint-Georges Castle.
Are there guided tours of the Château Saint-Georges?
Guided and thematic tours are organized during the week. These must be booked in advance by email or by telephone. In addition, note that some sites also offer the booking of guided tours.
- The archaeological site: this is a visit free of a duration of 15min. The aim is to observe the set of archaeological remains that testify to the three important periods of the history of Lisbon (occupation, contruction of the castle and earthquake). The visit takes place from Monday to Friday at regular hours: 11h, 12h, 15h and 16h in various languages: in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish.
- The camera obscura (Black Room): this is a visit free of a duration of 15min. The aim is to observe and learn more about the optical instrument formed of lenses and mirrors. The visit takes place from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 16:00 and the weekend from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. It is proposed in various languages: in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish.
- Guided and thematic visits: for the sum of 2,50€, you learn more about the history, history of art and archaeology of the castle. This one lasts 1h and is offered in several languages: Portuguese, English, French or Spanish. The visit takes place week to week 11:30 and weekend to 11:30 and 15:00.
Are there combined visits with other locations?
Would you like to visit more than one famous monument in Lisbon? So you can enjoy a ticket for several tours, which will allow you to save money. You will find the following three packages to visit the Château Saint-Georges.
Pack 1: Saint George Castle and historic Lisbon
The ticket price is 24€ . It includes visits to the following places:
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Museu do Fado
- Museu do Aljube
- Museu de Lisboa : Teatro Romano, Santo António and Casa dos Bicos
Pack 2: Château Saint-Georges and Alfama Lisbon essential
The ticket price is 18€ . It includes visits to the following places:
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Museu do Fado
- Museu de Lisboa : Teatro Romano
Pack 3: Saint George Castle and Padrão Lisbon Panoramic
The ticket price is 16€. It includes visits to the following places:
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Padrão Dos Descobrimentos: monument located on the north shore of the estuary of the Tage
Opening hours of Château Saint-Georges
Good news, the monument opens its doors to the public daily throughout the year. With the exception of May 1, Christmas and New Year.
You can visit the Château Saint-Georges :
- From 1 November to 28 February: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- March 1 to October 31: the castle opens its doors until 9 pm
However, note that the last entry tickets are sold Half an hour before closing.
How to get to Château Saint-Georges?
Château Saint-Georges is at the following address: Rue de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129, Lisbon . To get to the entrance, several choices are available to you. Indeed, you can go to the monument by tram, metro, bus or car.
- Tramway: ♪ 28E trams and 12E, stop Miradouro Santa Luzia, can take you directly to the castle.
- Metro: stop Santa Apolonia, on the blue line, but twenty minutes of walking are required later.
- Bus: bus 737, terminus Castelo, goes directly to the castle.
- Car : If you stay in the centre of Lisbon, then drive to the castle will take you only a few minutes. However, please note that it is not possible to go to the entrance of the castle by car. Indeed, due to the narrowness of the alleys and their angle, you will have to park below and walk up.
Of course it is also possible to visit the Château Saint-Georges on foot . This remains, if you are in the heart of Lisbon, the simplest solution to avoid traffic.
Where to park near Saint-Georges Castle?
If you have a vehicle, you should be parked at a good distance from Château Saint-Georges. In fact, very busy little streets surround the monument. Therefore, no parking is planned on the outskirts of the monument . It is therefore easier to get on foot or by bus to visit the Château Saint-Georges.
Where to stay near the Château Saint-Georges?
Many hotels with very positive reviews surround the Château Saint-Georges. Rates for one night are usually between 90€ and 120€ . In order to find the best place for you, we advise you to go through one Compare hotels .
If you have a less substantial budget, rent an Airbnb in a nice Lisbon neighborhood like Alfama, Chiado or Bairro Alto .
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