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Walking Uphill to São Jorge Castle in Lisbon 2024: Step by Step Guide to Find the Castle on Foot from the Back Alleys


Feeling disoriented in the charming maze of Lisbon's narrow streets and historic neighborhoods? You're in good company. Many travelers struggle to find their way through the city's labyrinthine layout, particularly when heading to the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. But don't worry – this detailed guide is here to help. We'll offer a step-by-step route from various starting points to ensure you reach the castle effortlessly. So, grab your map (or smartphone) and let's start this journey together.


Starting Point: Baixa District


Begin your journey in the vibrant Baixa district, a hub of activity with its grand squares and shopping streets.


  • Praça do Comércio: Start at the iconic Praça do Comércio, a large, open square facing the Tagus River. From here, head northeast along Rua da Prata.

  • Rua da Madalena: Continue walking until you reach Rua da Madalena. This street will lead you directly towards the next key point in your journey.




Taking the Elevator at Pingo Doce


As you walk along Rua da Madalena, keep an eye out for a Pingo Doce supermarket on your right. This is where the hidden elevator comes into play.


  • Pingo Doce Elevator: Enter the Pingo Doce supermarket and look for the elevator right Infront of you. This elevator will take you up to a higher level, making your climb to the castle much easier. When you get out of the elevator, follow these visual guide:


1.This is where you exit the elevator from the Pingo Doce supermarket. From here, walk up the street and turn right.




2. After turning right, follow the street uphill in the direction indicated by the arrow on the left side of the road and keep left.



3.Continue walking up the same road. When you see a left turn, take it and keep going uphill until you reach the castle entrance.





Starting Point: Martim Moniz Square


Martim Moniz Square is a bustling area known for its diverse culture and proximity to popular attractions, including the famous Tram 28 stop.


  • Martim Moniz Elevator: Begin at the right corner of Martim Moniz Square, near the Tram 28 stop. Here, you will find an escalator. This escalator is a great way to avoid a steep climb at the start of your journey.



1.Take the escalator up and use Google Maps to guide you towards the castle. After a few minutes, you will come across a set of stairs. Once you have climbed the stairs, navigate as follows:



Click on each image to expand. Follow from left to right.


2.Climb the stairs until you see a large sign on a building that says "Vila do Castelo." This is not related to the castle itself. Continue walking up the slope, following the direction indicated by the black arrow on the LEFT in the picture. . Continue walking up the same street.


3. Continue walking the road shown in the previous image. When you reach the image number 3 (bottom image on the left), just keep left. Remember from here always keep left until you reach the entrance of the Castle.




Starting point: Alfama or Santa Luzia View


If you're in Alfama, start by walking up the stairs of Rua Norberto de Araújo. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you'll arrive at the main street, where a breathtaking view awaits you at the Santa Luzia viewpoint. From the top of the stairs, head towards the LEFT.






  1. From top of the stairs, turn left.



Click on each image to expand. Follow from left to right.


2. To your left, you'll find the romantic Santa Luzia viewpoint, a filming location for many movies. To reach the Castle, head to the right and enter Rua da Santiago, then continue walking uphill along the road.

3.Proceed along the road until it intersects with Largo dos Lóios. Continue ascending upward from there.

4.Upon reaching the bakery at this juncture, make a right turn and ascend. The entrance to the Castle awaits at the top.




Conclusion:


In conclusion, navigating the charming streets of Lisbon to reach Castelo São Jorge is a delightful adventure, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether starting from the bustling Baixa district, the diverse Martim Moniz Square, or the picturesque Alfama neighborhood, each route presents its own unique journey filled with scenic views, hidden alleys, and historical landmarks.





Regardless of the starting point, the journey to Castelo São Jorge promises an unforgettable experience, blending the beauty of Lisbon's architecture with the allure of its ancient fortress. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your map, and embark on a memorable adventure through the heart of Lisbon to discover the magic of Castelo São Jorge.










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