Lisbon is an amazing city — but not so much for the sites, but more for the place and atmosphere, people and food. One exception is the Castelo de S. Jorge.
This highly intact castle sits atop the highest hill overlooking the city and the mighty Tejo river. The walk to the castle is fun, small winding streets, not too steep.
Once there, past the hawkers and souvenir shops, the castle ramparts are the best part to explore — and easy to walk nearly the entire length of the castle.
The central courtyard with its uneven bricks holds spectacular views of the cascading hills of red stucco roofs and the neighborhoods of the entire city. You can almost plan your day by starting here.
A statue of a lone warrior who warned of the Moors attack holds the center of the main courtyard. He stands alone, but seems to represent the thousands of years of battles over control of this castle.
Almost entirely absent of any plaques to explain the history or the design of the castle is a demerit. But in some ways, it is a magical absence of knowledge that adds to the majesty of the views and mystery of the ruins.

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