São Jorge Castle

Built on the highest hill of the historic centre, the castle is a strategic point overlooking the city, the Tagus estuary and the Setúbal peninsula. Conquered in 1147 by King Afonso Henriques, it was transformed into Royal Palace. Successive attacks, several earthquakes and its abandonment by the royal family contributed to its progressive degradation. With a square plan, it preserves 11 towers, among which we find the dominant Keep, Haver or Tombo, Palace, Cistern and St. Lawrence’s, halfway up the slope. The Gateway of Betrayal, which allowed secret messengers to enter or exit, is visible on the north wall. Classified as a National Monument in 1910, it underwent major restoration interventions in the 1940s and 1990s and preserves the coexistence of ruined and preserved areas, as well as buildings in full use.

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