Travel in the Slow Lane: Castle on the Hill (Dec 6, 2024)

After seeing the São Jorge (St. George) Castle from below, we had to get up there to visit. We started early in the morning and took the subway to the nearest stop (Rossio) and walked up the hill. People live right up against the castle walls and I thought it was a great way to see these neighborhoods. It was also earlier in the day so it was a bit cooler (about 55-60 F). Google says the walk takes 11 minutes but I think it was closer to 15 or 20. Anyway, we made it.

Martim Moniz Gate (there's also a subway stop named for him)

St. George statue

Orange tree in the castle

Statue of King Afonso I, the first king of Portugal

Castle Courtyard

Looking towards the Tagus and 25 April Bridge

Red tile rooftops

The white building in the center is the National Pantheon

Another view from around the castle walls

Of course I would take this picture.

Just one (of many) peacocks in the castle.

Now let me just say that accessing the castle wasn't cheap--30 euros for both of us (I'm still too young to get the senior discount)--but we thought it was worth it. The views were great, there was a lot of history, and it was something we missed on our previous 2022 trip.

Travel tip: take Bus 737 from Rossio Square and back if you don't want to walk the whole way. We took it back down and it was really interesting to see this big bus navigate these narrow alleys and cars parked everywhere. It's also cheaper than the tuk-tuks that also run up to the castle, and which the residents hate due to congestion and noise.