4.2.1 Castelo de São Jorge
Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo
Location HERE.
Open every day.
And it’s still not pronounced Hor-hay, or Hor-ji.
Many years ago, there was no charge for entry to the Castle; you could even use the entry at the back of the site. Not now; like so many attractions in Lisbon, a fee has been charged, and increased, as a means of maintaining the area and perhaps returning a little to the municipality.
First of all, getting there. The best way is to catch a 737 bus from its terminus in the north-west corner of Praça da Figueira, or en route near Igreja Santa Maria Madalena, or by the Cathedral.
The alternative, from the Baixa, is to use the Elevador Castelo at the east end of Rua Vitória, on Rua Fanqueiros. This exits on to Rua Madalena. Cross the road and cross Largo Adelino Amaro da Costa on the diagonal, turning right into Largo Châo do Loureiro, through the doors as if you were visiting the Pingo Doce, then at the end of the passage is the second stage of the Elevador Castelo. From the top, bear right onto the Costa do Castelo, then left into Rua Bartholomeu Gusmão.
And theres’s still some climbing, although that way is free to use. You end up more or less at the bus terminus.
Then, for both travel options, it’s through the arch, follow round to the right, and the ticket office is straight ahead. QUEUES: I arrived at around 1040 hours and there wasn’t much of one. Best get there early.
OK, having got the ticket and through the barriers, the castle itself. You visit it for three reasons: the history of the site, the views, and the peacocks. I said you’ll have to speak up, I can’t hear you for these howling peacocks.
The history is documented as you walk around; there are also indoor exhibitions with more detail, and more memorabilia.
Views over the old downtown, and out over the river, speak for themselves. You can climb up to the top of the walls - stone steps, plenty of them, not always even - to get better views.
And the peacocks also speak for themselves. A lot. They also try to chase the hens, usually to no effect.
There are plenty of places for you to just sit and chill. Be very careful with the stone surfaces if there is a little rain. There are toilet facilities.
Allow plenty of time for your visit.
Bus 737 from Praça da Figueira.
Location HERE.
Open every day.
And it’s still not pronounced Hor-hay, or Hor-ji.
Many years ago, there was no charge for entry to the Castle; you could even use the entry at the back of the site. Not now; like so many attractions in Lisbon, a fee has been charged, and increased, as a means of maintaining the area and perhaps returning a little to the municipality.
First of all, getting there. The best way is to catch a 737 bus from its terminus in the north-west corner of Praça da Figueira, or en route near Igreja Santa Maria Madalena, or by the Cathedral.
The views ...
And theres’s still some climbing, although that way is free to use. You end up more or less at the bus terminus.
Then, for both travel options, it’s through the arch, follow round to the right, and the ticket office is straight ahead. QUEUES: I arrived at around 1040 hours and there wasn’t much of one. Best get there early.
... the history ...
The history is documented as you walk around; there are also indoor exhibitions with more detail, and more memorabilia.
Views over the old downtown, and out over the river, speak for themselves. You can climb up to the top of the walls - stone steps, plenty of them, not always even - to get better views.
... and the peacocks
There are plenty of places for you to just sit and chill. Be very careful with the stone surfaces if there is a little rain. There are toilet facilities.
Allow plenty of time for your visit.
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