Sao Jorge Castle (St. George's Castle as translated by my amazing knowledge of the Portuguese language) is located just north-east of the city center on top of a large hill. The castle's location provides amazing views of the city and Tagus river.
It's great to go at sunset for the amazing views:
You can see Lisbon from all angles:
If you get thirsty, you can have a nice Duoro!
The castle is a bit of a climb up to the top, but you get to see beautiful Lisbon as you walk:
You can also take one of the city's trams up, but it's not so bad of a walk if you have time.
Lisbon is sort of shaped like a T with the Tagus river on the top, the city center in the center line, with Sao Jorge castle on the left side of the T and the Barrio Alto on the right.
The Tagus river gives Lisbon a nice protected harbor:
As you walk to the castle, you can stop for a pee break if you need from all that Douro wine.
It smells a bit though...
Portuguese children are ridiculously photogenic:
After you enter the castle, you'll see an amazing courtyard:
With beautiful views of the golden gate bridge:
The bridge was accidentally given to Lisbon by drunken governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
He fell in love with Lisbon while filming, Terminator 7: Retirement Center.
In Terminator 7: Retirement Center, an aging Robo-Arnold goes back in time to save John Connor's grandparents who have retired to a peaceful life near Oporto.
Arnold got drunk and gave the bridge to Lisbon on February 14th, Valentines' day, when he was pining for Lisbon, the governator's only true love; hence the bridge's name, the 25th of April bridge.
Anyways the courtyard at the top is a good place to see the Tagus river.
Does that make you horny baby?
Really great courtyards.
The cannon's are still used to defend against English pirates and German technocrats.
Just the tip.
I got a little excessive with this cannon motif.
Here is the recipe for Pasteis de Belem:
Some ruins around the castle:
There's a small exhibition as part of the castle. We were running low on time so didn't stop in.
You can see glimpses of the famous Portuguese pigeon at the castle:
Here are the female Portuguese pigeons:
The Portuguese flag:
You get to walk all around the castle, up on on top of the ramparts and in the tower. It's really nice.
Most castles I've been to don't let you access everything.
The castle is rather large, so you could spend a significant amount of time exploring:
And at every corner there's beautiful panoramic views:
I like this one:
At evening, you can see Lisbon light up!
It's a beautiful, relaxed city:
And a great trip!
I recommend going there if you get a chance.
Thanks for reading! You can check out
my guide to Lisbon if you'd like, where I have many other posts. It's a nice city with lots of things to do. Follow me on facebook too; I make weekly posts. Next week, to Cascais! (3/24/14), then to Porto!
Thanks, Sauce
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