Located atop Lisbon’s highest hill, the São Jorge Castle cannot pass unnoticed while strolling the downtown area.
Being built in the 6th century, São Jorge castle has been occupied by the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Portuguese kings and queens until the 16th century. Nowadays it is Lisbon’s main attraction hosting within its fortified walls beautiful gardens, an archeological museum, a bar and a restaurant, and magnificent belvederes with panoramic views of the city’s layout: the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus river and the city’s rooftops. Cultural activities are also often held here.
The best part of the castle about to be unveiled…
The castle’s pièce de résistance is the Camera Obscura in the Tower’s Chamber, where you get to see “an optical system of lenses and mirrors, that provides 360º detailed views of the city in real time, including its monuments, most emblematic areas, the river and the bustle of Lisbon itself.” In other words, this periscope mirrors Lisbon in real time, so you can actually see the cars crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge, people walking in the Rossio square, people walking their dogs, locals at the windows…it’s absolutely out of this world!! If you want to get a quick visual introduction about Lisbon’s history, you should definitely come here.
Moreover, for photography lovers, it will be an absolute delight, because this periscope is like a camera upgraded at an utmost level. It’s like shooting from the tower with an extra long lens.
Note! The room is not visitable during rainy or foggy days. Pick a sunny day, and even better, pick a morning on a sunny day, when the light is softer and brings more life to subtle details. We went in the afternoon, therefore some parts of the city could hardly be revealed.
Source: castelodesaojorge.pt
We often come here to spend some quiet time far from city’s buzz, read a book, walk Asta or just hide from the shade on hot summer days.
When you can visit:
March – October, daily 09h00 – 21h00
Camera Obscura: 10h00 – 17h00 (depending on weather conditions)
Ticket fee: 8,50€
Free for Lisbon’s residents
