Is the walk to São Jorge Castle difficult?

Yes, it is considered a challenging walk due to the steep incline and traditional Portuguese pavement (calcada), which can be slippery. It is best to wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

What are the must-see landmarks in the Castelo neighborhood?

The primary highlights include the Castelo de São Jorge, the Se Cathedral, and the Portas do Sol viewpoint. These sites offer the best combination of medieval history and panoramic city views.

Can I do this self-guided walk in the evening?

While the viewpoints like Santa Luzia are beautiful at night, the Castle usually closes at sunset. For the best experience, start in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour at the viewpoints.

Is Saint George's Castle worth the entrance fee?

Most visitors find it worth the fee for the 360-degree views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It is the most complete medieval fortification in the city and offers extensive grounds to explore.

What is the oldest building in Lisbon included in this route?

The Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is the oldest church, with its foundations dating back to 1147. Parts of the castle walls are even older, with Roman and Moorish origins.

Are there many stairs on this walking route?

Yes, there are several sections with stairs, particularly as you navigate the shortcuts between the Castle and the Cathedral. This makes the route unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Where is the best place to take photos in Alfama?

Largo Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia are the two most famous photography spots on this route. They offer unobstructed views over the traditional houses and the river.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the medieval heart of Portugal with this self-guided walk through the historic Castelo district. This journey begins at the crown of the city, the imposing Castelo de São Jorge, where the foundations of Lisbon were laid by Romans, Visigoths, and Moors before the Christian Reconquista. As you descend from the castle’s heights, you will traverse the winding alleys and sun-drenched squares that have witnessed centuries of royal intrigue and resilient reconstruction. This walking route offers a deep dive into the architectural evolution of the city, from the sturdy Romanesque walls of the Sé Cathedral to the triumphant Pombaline style of the Arco da Rua Augusta. Exploring this area independently allows you to appreciate the layers of history at your own pace. You will encounter the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, famous for its iconic blue-and-white tiles depicting the Siege of Lisbon, and the Church of Saint Anthony, built upon the very site where the city’s patron saint was born. While this neighborhood stroll is physically demanding due to the steep, cobblestoned inclines of the Alfama and Castelo hills, the panoramic views of the Tagus River make every step worthwhile. This walking tour Lisbon experience is designed for those who want to understand how a devastating earthquake in 1755 reshaped a medieval capital into the vibrant, light-filled city seen today. Whether you are interested in the military history of the fortifications or the religious significance of the ancient cathedrals, this audio walk provides a comprehensive context to Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It is a perfect choice for a walking tour Lisbon adventure that avoids the crowds of a traditional guided tour Lisbon and focuses on the authentic atmosphere of the old city.

Highlights

Panoramic views from the ancient battlements of Castelo de São Jorge

Traditional azulejo tile panels at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The fortress-like Romanesque architecture of the Lisbon Cathedral

The historic birthplace of Saint Anthony of Lisbon

The triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta overlooking the Tagus River

Sweeping views of the Alfama district from Largo Portas do Sol

Tour Stops (6)

Castelo de São Jorge

Standing atop the highest hill in Lisbon, this fortress has served as a seat of power for centuries. Before the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, conquered the site in 1147 with the help of Northern European crusaders, it was a Moorish citadel. As you walk along the ramparts, notice the eleven towers and the dry moat. The castle wasn't just a military barracks; it was a royal palace until the early 16th century. Though much was restored in the 1940s, the stones here whisper stories of the medieval court and the vantage point remains the best place to understand Lisbon's strategic maritime importance.

Largo Portas do Sol

The 'Gates of the Sun' mark one of the entrance points through the old Moorish walls. From this terrace, you can see the red-tiled roofs of the Alfama district cascading down toward the river. Look for the white domes of the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in the distance. This spot is a favorite for photographers because of the way the morning light hits the pastel-colored houses. It provides a clear visual map of the medieval city’s layout, which survived the 1755 earthquake better than the lower-lying areas of Lisbon.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This romantic viewpoint is framed by a pergola covered in bougainvillea. Beyond the view, pay close attention to the blue and white tile panels on the southern wall. One panel depicts the Praça do Comércio as it looked before the great earthquake, while the other shows the Christian soldiers attacking the castle during the Siege of Lisbon in 1147. This location served as a headquarters for the Order of Malta, and the small church adjacent to the viewpoint holds the history of the knights who once protected this steep ascent.

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

The Sé is the oldest church in the city, dating back to 1147. Its fortress-like appearance, with twin bell towers and crenelations, was intentional; it served as a defensive structure during times of siege. Inside, the architecture transitions from Romanesque to Gothic. The cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque after the Reconquista, a common practice during the medieval era. Despite multiple earthquakes, the main structure has stood firm, housing the remains of St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, whose relics were brought here by ship escorted by two ravens.

Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon

While the world knows him as Saint Anthony of Padua, locals proudly call him Saint Anthony of Lisbon. This church is built directly over the room where the saint was born in 1195. You can descend into the crypt to see the exact spot. The current building dates from the late 18th century, replacing an earlier structure destroyed in 1755. Every June, this area becomes the epicenter of the 'Santos Populares' festivals, where the city celebrates with sardines and street dances, honoring the saint who is also the patron of marriages and lost things.

Arco da Rua Augusta

As you descend into the Baixa district, you reach this monumental triumphal arch. Completed in 1873, it celebrates the city's rebirth after the 1755 disaster. At the top, a group of sculptures represents Glory crowning Genius and Valor. Below them are historical figures like Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal, the man responsible for the grid-like reconstruction of the city. Passing through the arch leads you into the vast Praça do Comércio, once the site of the royal palace and the gateway for trade coming from the Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each landmark. The distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers, but the steep descent and historical stops add significant time.