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Name: St. George's Castelo
Location: Lisboa
Country: Portugal
Review
this castle
The Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George's Castle), the name comes from the time
of King Joao I ( late 14 century) Before it was known simply as Lisbon
Castle.
It consist of the former citadel of Alcazar, twelve gateways (seven of which
lead to the parish of Santa Cruz do Castelo), the battlements and wall of
Barbeca (Barbican) and eighteen towers (eleven of which belong to the fortress,
and one, Torre de Sao Lourenco, is linked to the battlements by a long stairway.
If we go though Portao Sul (the south gate) which leads to Rua de Santa Cruz do
Costelo, we enter the old Praca de Armas.
After a short period of splendor in the reign of King Sebastiao, who hat it
restores and went to live there, the royal palace on the site of the castelo fell
into complete neglect during the reign of the Spanish kings and was used as a barrack
and later as a prison.
The building was severely damages by the 1755 earthquake.
In 1910 the building was declared a National Monument and restoration work
began.
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 Interior of the
Castle
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| Ron Lay, 39, from Midwest USA, wrote: |
| I do not know any of the history and
not much historical info provided at the site - thus you kind of have to
imagine what went on there when. Seems to be very authentic as several
parts under renovation. No admission fees, just have to endure a steep
25 minute walk up the cobble-stone streets, from the city center. Also,
I do not know if there is a better vantage point to view the entire
city. Views from turrets are breathtaking. Bring several rolls of
film. |
| Henry Cadenhead, 49, from Southeastern,
USA, wrote: |
| It was here that Columbus made his
first formal visit upon his return from his first voyage to the America.
Due to political problems in Spain (he was of Jewish descent) the king
of Portugal was more receptive to him than was King Ferdinand of Spain.
The castle presents an impressive view to the city from the adjacent
hills, as well as giving an impressive view of the city from its
ramparts. Within it is a very pleasant municipal park with children's'
playgrounds, picnic grounds, a restaurant, gardens with peacocks, as
well as simply delightful areas in which to stroll and let your
imagination wander. Being in the oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama, it
is within easy walk of the old Moorish quarters and the ancient
fortified cathedral, as well as many other older churches of Lisbon. It
is easy to lose a day there, a day well spent. |
| Raquel, from New York, wrote: |
| This castle is perhaps less extravagant than the typical
Renaissance castles, but for my interests just as exciting.
Walking along the outside wall, looking down upon the city and imagining
the historical situations that have occurred there, many probably
unknown, is thrilling. As if to add a bit of poetic beauty to my
visit, on my way out a beautiful peacock was sitting on the wall. |
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