Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge, a National Monument that integrates the noble area of the old medieval Alcazaba, is today an iconic place where you can enjoy the heritage, learn a little about the history of Lisbon in the Museum Centre, explore the vestiges of the 11th century Islamic quarter in the Archaeological Centre, stroll through the gardens and enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the city.

The earliest documentary reference to the existence of a castle in Lisbon dates from the 12th century - the noted geographer al-Idrisi describes the "beautiful city stretching along the river, bounded by walls and protected by a castle."

From the Islamic period, built in the middle of the 11th century, the fortification is located in the most difficult area on the hilltop, taking advantage of the natural cliffs to the north and west. The castle was intended to house the military garrison and, in the event of a siege, the elites who lived in the citadel. It still preserves 11 towers and in the second square there are vestiges of old buildings and a cistern.

In the Archaeological Centre, bear witness to this significant period in Lisbon's history through the remains of the Islamic residential area from the time the castle was built, mid 11th century.

In the Museum Centre you can visit the collection consisting of an acquis of objects found in the archaeological area, providing the discovery of the multiple cultures and experiences that from the 7th century BC to the 18th century contributed to the construction of modern-day Lisbon, with particular emphasis on the Islamic period of the 11th-12th century.

Lisbon's Moorish Fence (Cerca Moura), also known as the Old Fence (Cerca Velha), is the defensive structure that delimited and defended Lisbon in medieval times. There are still vestiges of the Fence, which had 12 gates, that can be seen from the street, towers and cubicles, doors and arches, many of which are part of later buildings.

Inside the Moorish Fence is Martim Moniz Gate, one of the gates of Castelo de São Jorge and topped by the bust of the brave knight Martim Moniz. According to legend, during the siege of Lisbon by the troops of the first Portuguese king, Alfonso Henriques, the Muslim soldiers would storm the castle. On one of these occasions, on their return, a knight called Martim Moniz took the opportunity and threw himself towards the door, trying to get in. He did not succeed and all he could do was use his own body and life to prevent the door from being closed, allowing the Portuguese soldiers commanded by Alfonso Henriques to pass through and conquer the city. In memory of such an illustrious deed, the monarch had the following inscription engraved: "The King Alfonso Henriques ordered this statue and stone head to be placed here in memory of the glorious death that Martim Moniz, father of the Vasconcelos family, received at this door when, crossing through it, he opened the entrance with which this city was won from the Moors in the year 1147".