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Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Humans settled on this hill as early as the 8th century BCE, and the first fortifications date from the 1st century BCE. Before the Portuguese conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, the site was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Sights within the castle include the permanent exhibition of archaeological artefacts with an emphasis on the 11th- and 12th-century Moors, ruins of the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a garden with native forest species, and a camera obscura showing the city's sights. The castle offers great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighbourhood of Alfama.
São Jorge Castle, sometimes known in English as Saint George's Castle, is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. Human occupation of the castle hill dates to at least the 8th century BC while the oldest fortifications on the site date from the 2nd century BC. The hill on which Saint George's Castle stands has played an important part in the history of Lisbon, having served as the location of fortifications occupied successively by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, before its conquest by the Portuguese in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon. Since the 12th century, the castle has variously served as a royal palace, a military barracks, home of the Torre do Tombo National Archive, and now as a national monument and museum.
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Roman Theatre Museum
Along the way from downtown to Saint George's Castle.
Sé de Lisboa, Igreja de Santa Maria Maior
Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived various earthquakes and has undergone restoration, renovation, and modification over the years. Its elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It has been a national monument since 1910.
The highest viewpoint in Lisbon, at the top of the Graça hill, spread out in front of the small Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte (founded in 1147, remodelled in the 20th century). To the south you look down over the Castelo de São Jorge, the Mouraria and the Baixa to the Tagus estuary; to the west, from Bairro Alto out to the Monsanto forest; to the north, down the Avenida Almirante Reis valley. It sits a little further out than the viewpoints at Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, so it is usually quieter, and it is a fine place to watch the sunset.
Museu Etnográfico da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa
Exhibits of ethnography from Portugal's former colonies.
Igreja do Santa Engrácia
This is one of the most striking buildings in Lisbon. Its tall dome and white facade makes it a real landmark in Alfama/Eastern Lisbon. Excellent views from the rooftop terrace. Construction began in 1681, then halted until the dome was added in 1966 and then converted to the National Pantheon. Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado, is buried here, and fresh roses can be seen on the tomb. The church also has wide viewing platform on the rooftop all around its dome. Excellent panorama of the river and surroundings. No elevator.